Marcel received his undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts from Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island, and his graduate degree in theology and pastoral care from the Gregorian University and The North American College in Rome, Italy. He began working for Donor Network of Arizona in 1998. He worked over 20 years in donation and recently retired from his position as Director of Donor Family and Advocate Services. The true focus of his work and study in those 20 years was decision making and meaningful conversations with families in times of emotional crisis and trauma. Marcel has worked across the country with over 30 Organ Procurement Organizations and Hospital Partners speaking about best practices in communication and donation conversations. He has received both the CORAM and Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation awards for his work in the field of donation. Despite being retired, he remains mindfully connected to the work of donation.
Does Our Messaging Match Our Mission?
Are we emphasizing the right part of our message at the right time when we are communicating in the hospitals, with families, talking to the public or engaging OPO employees, or has our message become slanted? Could we be experiencing unintended consequences in our communication? The words and terminology we choose has a tremendous impact on the mindset and actions of the public, families, hospital partners and OPO staff.
During this presentation, we hope to uncover the unintended hidden messages in our current and common communication practices. The panel will explore some of the dangers these messages have for the future work of the OPOs including, broken hospital relationships, impediments to the donation processes, employee retention and diminished public trust. It is time and it is urgent to re-evaluate our messaging. We will offer concrete ideas and specific messaging alternatives to reframe the role of the OPO and inspire potential donor families, staff (hospitals and OPOs) and the public to more fully engage in the organ donation process and facilitate the spirit of generosity.