The records of the Transplant and Health Policy Center document the work of the Education, Ethics and Social Impact, Liaison and Public Policy committees. The records span the years 1986-1992; the bulk of the materials cover 1987-1990. The records are divided into four series: Education Committee, Ethics and Social Impact Committee, Liaison Committee, and Public Policy Committee.
The Transplant and Health Policy Center traces its origins back to 1984 when the Office of the Governor, the Michigan State Legislature, and the Michigan Department of Public Health discussed establishing a multi-disciplinary center to gather information needed to formulate public policy on organ transplantation. In 1985, the passage of Michigan Public Act 137 allowed the Michigan Department of Public Health to appropriate funds for and establish such a center, naming it the Transplant Policy Center. In 1989 the name was changed to Transplant and Health Policy Center. Although the center is considered a statewide agency, its director and paid staff have always been University of Michigan employees, reporting to the Vice Provost for Medical Affairs.
The Transplant and Health Policy Center collects and analyzes data pertaining to cost, psychological impact, and quality of life, as well as attitudes and outcomes related to organ transplantation. The gathered data is used to educate and advise state and private health agencies, transplant programs, and public organizations that are concerned with formulating public policy in this area. Within the Transplant and Health Policy Center there are six advisory committees: Public Policy, Ethics and Social Impact, Registry, Education, Liaison, and Scientific Reviews. The committees assist in the collection and analysis of information on transplants performed in the state; the cost effectiveness of various forms of transplantation; the psychological and social impact on recipients, donors, and their families; ethical issues; professional and public education related to organ transplantation; the development of quality assurance standards; and priorities for biomedical research. Committee members represent institutions, universities, government, professionals, and consumers throughout the state of Michigan that are concerned with organ transplantation.
In addition to providing education and advice, the Transplant and Health Policy Center has monies available for a limited number of research grants to individuals whose work addresses the goals of the center. The ultimate goal of the center is to become a model for a nationally cooperative network facilitating the exchange of information related to organ transplantation.
The Transplant and Health Policy Center, which is located at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, is the first center in the United States created specifically for the study of public policy issues related to organ transplantation. Jeremiah G. Turcotte, M.D., transplant surgeon and professor, Department of Surgery at the University of Michigan Medical Center, has been director since inception of the center. Due to state budget cuts in the early 1990s, the staff of the center was reduced in size and its activities greatly curtailed. The advisory committees do meet, but only infrequently, and on an as needed basis.
