Receiving an Organ Transplant
Hackensack Meridian Health provides expert organ transplant care across New Jersey, guiding patients through every stage of the transplant journey—from evaluation to lifelong recovery. As New Jersey’s #1 ranked health network by U.S. News & World Report, we combine advanced technology, compassionate support, and exceptional surgical outcomes to help patients live longer, healthier lives.
What to Expect
The journey to receiving a transplant begins with a comprehensive evaluation of the recipient’s physical and mental health. Transplant candidates will also undergo extensive testing, including blood tests, heart and lung function tests, cancer screenings, and other evaluations to confirm their eligibility for surgery.
After a transplant candidate is deemed eligible for surgery, they are placed on a waitlist for a compatible organ. If they have a compatible living donor, their wait time will be shorter. During this time, transplant candidates will continue to receive care from their primary providers for their underlying condition. Recipients will also have access to:
- Financial counseling
- Mental health services
- Supportive services
When a compatible organ becomes available, a transplant team member will contact the recipient.
After transplant surgery, recipients will receive personalized education on topics including:
- Health monitoring
- Administering anti-rejection medications
- Recognizing signs of infection or rejection
- Returning to a normal lifestyle
Why Choose Hackensack Meridian Health?
- Regional Leader in Transplant Care: Among the fastest-growing programs in the tri-state area
- Shorter Wait Times: Innovative donor matching helps patients receive organs sooner
- Advanced Organ Preservation: First in NJ to use the LifePort Kidney Transporter for improved organ viability
- Comprehensive Support: Financial, emotional, and post-surgical care for every patient and family
- National Recognition: Consistently ranked among the top transplant programs for survival and success
Why Choose Hackensack Meridian Health Organ Transplants
Patient Resources
6-year-old on Road to Recovery After Bone Marrow Transplant
After Piper Law was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease in which the bone marrow doesn’t make enough blood cells, but doctors give new hope.
Paterson Boy Bounces Back After Living-Donor Transplant
When 12-year-old Jordan Vasquez needed a kidney transplant, his dad wasn’t a match, but his half-sister’s grandmother proved to be a willing donor.
Kidney Buddies Forever
Kidney transplant story: Learn how innovative surgery gave Mark a second chance at life thanks to Judy's generous kidney donation at Hackensack University Medical Center. Learn more.
Teenager’s Harrowing Health Crisis Ends Happily with New Kidney
A kidney transplant saved 16-year-old Dominic Lipka’s life. Now, he’s living it to the fullest playing video games and hanging out with his friends.