Transplant Classes & Support Groups

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Are you considering a transplant as a treatment option or seeking more information on living liver and kidney donations?

UC San Diego Health's Center for Transplantation offers complimentary classes and support groups to help you.

Heart Transplant Support Group

For more information about events for heart transplantation and ventricular assist devices (VADs), call our Heart Transplant Program at 858-657-5050.

10:30 - 11:30 a.m. on the third Wednesday of every month via Zoom.
Open only to pre- or post-transplant patients and their families and caregivers.
To register, please contact our Heart Transplant Program at 858-657-5050.

Kidney Transplant Classes & Support Groups

For more information about these events, call our Kidney Transplant Program at 858-657-7729.

Kidney Transplant Education Class

This Transplant 101 class focuses on transplants as a treatment option. Our transplant coordinators provide a complete overview of the process. Topics covered include the evaluation process, how candidates are selected, what to expect while waitlisted, getting "the call," the surgery and hospital stay, postoperative care, financial issues and care partner responsibilities.

One-hour class held one or two days per week, in English and Spanish, via Zoom.
Open only to patients referred to our Center for Transplantation and their families and friends.
To register, please contact our Kidney Transplant Program at 858-657-7729.

Support Group for Kidney Transplant Patients

Our transplant social worker facilitates this informal gathering to exchange information, ideas and experiences related to the challenges of kidney disease, waiting for a transplant and life after a transplant.

One-hour meetings in English held quarterly, on alternating Mondays and Thursdays, via Zoom.
Open only to pre- or post-transplant patients and their families and caregivers.
To register, please contact our Kidney Transplant Program at 858-657-7729.

Weight Change Support Class for Kidney Transplant Patients

Our transplant dietitian offers strategies and tips to help you reach your weight goals. You must make an appointment.

30-minute individual appointments once a month by phone.
Open only to pre- or post-transplant patients and their families and caregivers.
To register, please contact our Kidney Transplant Program at 858-657-7729.

Living Kidney Donation

Tens of thousands of people are on the waiting list each year for a kidney transplant in the United States. By volunteering to be a living kidney donor, you can give a healthy kidney to a person who needs one. All potential donors are medically screened to protect their health and safety. Discover more about living kidney donation.

Give the Gift of Life

Kidney Transplant Resources

Explore Transplants

John Brockington Foundation

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

National Kidney Foundation

Liver Transplant Classes & Support Groups

For more information about these events, call our Liver Transplant Program at 858-657-7728.

Liver Transplant Support Group

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month via Zoom.
To register, please contact our Liver Transplant Program at 858-657-7728.

Liver Transplant Education Class

1:30 – 3:00 p.m. on the first and fourth Monday of every month via Zoom.
To register, please contact our Liver Transplant Program at 858-657-7728.

Living Liver Donation

Donating your liver to someone in need is a lifesaving act. Unlike other organs, the liver can regenerate and grow back to normal size. All potential donors are medically screened to protect their health and safety. We are skilled in the complex care of living liver donors. Discover more about living kidney donation at UC San Diego Health.

Give the Gift of Life

Liver Transplant Resources

Alcoholics Anonymous

American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases

American Liver Foundation

Explore Transplant

National Kidney Registry's Exchange Program

Smart Recovery San Diego

Lung Transplant Support Group

For more information about these events, call our Lung Transplant Program at 858-657-5050.

10:00 - 11:15 a.m. on the first Monday of every month via Zoom.
Open only to pre- or post-transplant patients and their families and caregivers.
To register, please contact our Lung Transplant Program at 858-657-5050.

Become an Organ Donor

Thinking about becoming an organ donor? People of all ages and medical histories can consider themselves potential donors.

Learn About Organ Donation

Patient Assistance Fund

UC San Diego Health offers limited financial assistance to help ease the burden of transplant-related expenses. To find out if you qualify, please contact your transplant social worker.