Hundreds of New Mexicans are waiting for a kidney
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Hundreds of New Mexicans are waiting for a life-saving organ donation from someone they may never meet. According to Donor Services, Kidneys are the most needed organ in New Mexico due to the increased risk of diabetes and kidney failure.
This week on the New Mexico News Podcast, Victoria Yocum shares her journey as a young woman with a rare liver disease, the obstacles she navigated in the local healthcare system, and how she’s paying her gift forward today. Celina Espinoza, External Affairs Director with Donate Life New Mexico and New Mexico Donor Services also explains some of the challenges locals face regarding organ donation.
Transplants are especially difficult for those living in New Mexico’s rural communities. According to Donor Services, Native Americans suffer from the highest rates of kidney disease and diabetes in the world.
At age 23, Yocum said she drove herself to the Mayo Clinic in Arizona where she was ultimately placed on a high-priority list for a liver transplant. She’s now healthy and sharing her story in New Mexico to help educate people about the need for organ donation.
Listen to the full discussion above or wherever you get your podcasts.
Download new episodes of the New Mexico News Podcast every Tuesday, starting around 5:30 a.m., Mountain time. Episodes are available on most podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Podbean among others.
Having trouble finding the show? Try searching your favorite podcast player with the term “KRQE” or “New Mexico News Podcast” (without the quotes). You can also use the links above to find the podcast on each respective service or listen to the audio player at the top of this post.
If you have a question, comment, or suggestion as to who should be interviewed on the podcast, let us know! Email the hosts at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com.
