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Thousands Of Donated Kidneys Thrown Away In U.S. Every Year

In Arizona, nearly 2,000 people are on the wait-list for a new kidney. Nationally, that number is in the tens of thousands.

But despite the need, thousands of kidneys are disposed of in the United States each year — and that’s a waste Dr. Peter Reese says doesn’t have to happen.

Reese, an associate professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania, has new research out that suggests the United States should take a page from the French when it comes to organ donation.

The Show spoke with him more about his research and why he thinks some of those kidneys — received after a donor’s death  — could save lives.

Lauren Gilger, host of KJZZ's The Show, is an award-winning journalist whose work has impacted communities large and small, exposing injustices and giving a voice to the voiceless and marginalized.