Mimi Greenman: A Lifetime of Empowering Lives Through Organ Donation Advocacy

In the dynamic realm of organ donation advocacy, Mimi Greenman stands as a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the field of organ transplantation. As a LCSW with a Master’s in Social Work and a degree in Public Health, Mimi’s career has been marked by a profound dedication to empowering patients. 

Proudly a registered organ donor herself for over 50 years, Mimi’s career unfolded at Westchester Medical Center, where she spent seven years specializing in kidney transplants before transitioning to liver transplantation. Her role in the process was multifaceted - guiding patients and their families through a diagnosis, addressing lifestyle changes, and navigating the complexities of employment, finances, and insurance. Retiring in 2021, Mimi’s commitment to the cause has not waned; she found a new avenue for her passion at the Transplant Support Organization (TSO), where she serves on the Board of Directors. There, Mimi contributes to education and support groups, organ donation projects, and the planning committee. She is thrilled to see the rise in membership, which she attributes to TSO events that promote organ donation and help facilitate a sense of community. 

Mimi emphasizes the importance of empowering patients, and helping them navigate complex health care systems pre and post-transplant. She stresses the need for patients to be their own advocates and actively participate in support groups to help foster a sense of community throughout a process that is so isolating. To Mimi, knowledge is power. She encourages patients to read literature, ask questions, and engage with reputable literature sources. (ODAC, TSO, Heart/Liver/Kidney Foundations). Dispelling misconceptions about organ donation is crucial, and Mimi commends any and all advocacy efforts. 

With over 100,00 people on the transplant waiting list, Mimi urges young adults to dispel myths regarding organ donation using education and research. She emphasizes the imperative for heightened media campaigns promoting organ donation, advocating for broader awareness. Time and again, Mimi underscores the pivotal role of education and research in fostering comfort and understanding regarding organ donation, encouraging a proactive approach to this critical aspect of healthcare. 

Mimi Greenman’s lifelong commitment to organ donation advocacy is an inspiration. Even after her retirement as an LCSW, she continues to empower individuals, dispel myths, and contribute to a community of support that transcends the challenges of transplantation. As we all face the inevitability of organ donation discussions in our lives, Mimi’s message echoes the importance of education, understanding, and a compassionate approach to this critical aspect of healthcare.