Programs
Learn how 4KFM works to fulfill our mission through our Pacemaker Donor Program
Pacemaker Donor Program
In the US, when a patient dies, their pacemaker is often disposed of. However, these devices often have significant battery life left, which can be used to power another heart. By collecting these pacemakers, sterilizing them, and shipping them to charity hospitals in developing communities, these devices can be used to their full potential and save a life.
Our Method
1. Partnerships
We partner with local funeral homes in our area to participate in our program. We distribute folders with all necessary materials: our executive summary, consent forms, and biohazard bags to morticians.
2. Collection
Funeral homes notify us by email when a pacemaker is ready for pickup. The device is collected and folder materials are replenished if need be.
3. Pacemaker Check
Collected devices are sent to an associate at Beacon Kalamazoo Medical Center for interrogation. This diagnostic clears the previous patient's personal information and reveals how many years of battery life are left on the pacemaker.
4. Records
The checked device is returned back to us, which is when we record all specific information pertaining to the device, such as type of device, battery life, and serial number.
5. Sterilization
We filter through devices and choose only those with 4+ years of battery life left. These devices are then taken to the World Medical Relief Center, partnered with U-M's My Heart Your Heart program, where they are sterilized.
6. Shipment
Through the World Medical Relief Center, sterilized pacemakers are sent to charity hospitals in low-middle income countries where they can be repurposed. We hear back good news of successful implantations!