Do you have a story to tell about organ donation?  William Paterson is one of 45 New Jersey companies participating in The New Jersey Workplace Partnership for Life.  Funded by a grant from the U.S. Division of Transplantation of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the project is designed to research the most effective methods to increase organ donation levels in the workplace.

“We’re looking for William Paterson University employees who are donor family members, transplant recipients, or family members of recipients who are willing to tell their story,” says Connie Bareford, professor of nursing, who is the project liaison on campus.  “Thousands of people die needlessly each year due to a lack of organ donors. By sharing your story with other William Paterson University employees, you can help others understand the importance of becoming an organ donor.”

Any stories shared will be developed for use by the Sharing Network in a campaign to promote organ donation.  Information could take the form of a short story focusing on the experience of the person/family the story concerns to be distributed through internal communication channels at the workplace, or a poster highlighting key features or quotes from the story. Employees willing to share a story can specify the level of use---only for use in their place of employment, use in the larger campaign, or statewide use. Additionally, all stories are verified and approved by the person sharing the story.

Anyone with a story to share can contact Tara Artesi, community relations manager, New Jersey Organ and Tissue Sharing Network, at 973.379.4535, ext. 3316 or tartesi@sharenj.org.