The Post’s March 3 front-page news article “Native Americans lack access to liver transplant system” reveals a devastating truth: Native Americans, disproportionately affected by liver disease, have the lowest rate of access to lifesaving transplants.
These caregivers provide essential physical and emotional support before, during and after surgery, and their contributions are critical to the success of the transplant process. However, a recent report from the National Alliance for Caregiving explored how isolating and frightening that work can be. Caregivers make major sacrifices of their own time, take on enormous responsibilities for their loved ones and must do so without medical training or other formalized supports.
For Native American caregivers facing limited resources, the transplant journey is even more challenging. Access to reliable transportation to faraway appointments, paid time off and culturally sensitive guidance are often scarce.
Combating the liver disease crisis requires a comprehensive approach that invests in both patients and their caregivers. One place to start might be with standardized screenings of patients and caregivers alike to design a support plan for a whole family. Culturally competent care coordination would help families navigate the complexities of the health-care system and transplant process without feeling shamed or insulted. Finally, a national paid family and medical leave policy would allow both patients and caregivers to manage the demands of transplant care while maintaining their livelihoods.
Jason Resendez, Washington
The author is president and chief executive of the National Alliance for Caregiving.
