The Ultimate Restitution: Living Inmate Organ Donor Protocol
For years, countless incarcerated individuals across the nation have endured the heartbreak of losing loved ones to medical conditions, often stemming from the failure of vital organs. These losses, indifferent to age or circumstance, are devastating. For those behind bars, the inability to help compounds the immeasurable grief. The statistics are staggering, but so too is the potential for a solution.
How can we, as a society, align lawmakers, prison administrators, and ordinary citizens to address an epic healthcare crisis that many are unaware of? The answer lies in fostering empathy and collaboration across divides. Even within the often harsh realities of prison life, matters of family and the heart have the power to inspire humanity and open minds.
With that spirit in mind, we are proud to announce an exciting and transformative initiative. Inmate Organs and Life Support Alliance are launching a groundbreaking collaboration: a California State Prison Statewide Blood Drive and the creation of the first-ever Living Inmate Organ Donor Registry.
A Step Forward in Compassionate Reform
Under California Title 15, Section 3999.425, incarcerated individuals are legally permitted to donate blood to licensed agencies. However, such efforts have yet to materialize—even during the dire shortages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, the ability to donate organs has long been limited. Until recently, California prisoners could only predesignate anatomical gifts for science or education, and only posthumously. That restriction denied countless willing individuals the opportunity to save lives during their lifetime.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons, representing just 10% of the national prison population, already allows living inmates to donate organs, tissue, or bone marrow to biologically compatible family members in need. This “Gift of Life” is a powerful example of humanity transcending circumstance. However, the remaining 90% of incarcerated individuals—those housed in state facilities—have been excluded from similar opportunities. This disparity underscores the urgent need for reform.
Bridging the Gap: A Grassroots Movement
After nearly a decade of advocacy, spearheaded by condemned inmate Michael Flinner, this long-overdue change is finally taking shape in California. In 2016, Michael fought to donate a kidney to his dying father but was denied due to the lack of a living donor policy. His relentless efforts, alongside Life Support Alliance and other advocates, have resulted in the CDC-R Medical Management Health Care Policy team embracing this much-needed reform. A preliminary rollout is expected in 2025.
This initiative owes its momentum to the dedication of individuals like Warden D. Cueva, Dr. M. Ditomas, and their teams, who recognized the urgency and importance of this policy. Their support and swift action have been instrumental in advancing this agenda.
A Nationwide Ripple Effect
California’s progress has the potential to inspire similar reforms across the nation. By creating a model policy for living inmate organ donation, we hope to encourage other states to explore compassionate solutions that benefit incarcerated individuals and their families.
The collaboration between Inmate Organs, Life Support Alliance, and the broader prison reform community represents a turning point. With continued advocacy and legislative support, we envision a future where all incarcerated individuals, regardless of state or offense, are welcomed into lifesaving conversations.
Stay Informed and Join the Movement
As efforts progress, we will keep you updated on developments. Together, we can build a future where the “Gift of Life” transcends walls and restores hope to families in need.
For the Sake of Others,
Michael – please request my info if you’d like to stay in touch.
California Medical Facility, Vacaville
In Partnership with:
Life Support Alliance & The California Lifer Newsletter
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