Former commissioner urges county support for 'End the Wait' kidney-donation awareness campaign

Carrollton, Ga. — Randy Simpkins, a former Carroll County commissioner and recent living kidney donor, presented to the Board of Commissioners on Feb. 27 about National Kidney Month and a nonprofit campaign, End the Wait, that aims to raise awareness about kidney disease and living donation.

Simpkins described his own donation experience, the long transplant wait times, and his work with filmmakers and actors to produce a movie intended to educate the public and drive donors to action. He said the nonprofit has helped connect several transplant candidates with donors and that organizers plan a wider distribution and screening strategy, including a possible screening for members of the U.S. Congress.

Randy Simpkins: "The average wait is 8 years. Let me say it again. The average wait is 8 years, and there's a hundred thousand people in this country that are on the kidney transplant wait list."

Simpkins said the nonprofit's website is endthewait.net and that organizers would welcome county partnership on awareness efforts. Chairman Morgan responded that the county's employee wellness program will distribute T-shirts and literature, and that three county employees have agreed to share their personal stories in an employee communications package to be distributed within two weeks.

Chairman Morgan: "We will be through the wellness program providing T shirts to all our employees. We actually have 3 employees who are willing to tell their personal stories, and we'll be putting that literature in with information on, donating as well as what you need to do to make sure you keep your own health."

Simpkins asked for county support in outreach; commissioners did not take a formal vote but indicated staff will distribute the wellness materials and that commissioners will be available for follow-up as requested.