KENTUCKY ORGAN DONOR AFFILIATES IS ON TRACK TO SAVE MORE LIVES THAN EVER DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Since January 2020, the Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates (KODA) has saved and healed the lives of nearly 19,200 individuals through the gift of life. KODA, the federally designated organ procurement organization serves the majority of Kentucky, Southern Indiana, and Huntington, WV.  KODA has continued to recover and allocate organs and tissue for transplantation to those in need amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As of August 20, 2020, KODA has honored the wishes of 112 organ donors, resulting in the recovery and transplantation of 340 organs total. This is a 25% increase over this time in 2019.  Additionally, 377 tissue donors, 14% over this time last year, will mend thousands of lives. Right now we are on track to surpass 2019’s efforts, by anticipating saving over 500 lives by the end of by the end of 2020.

This remarkable effort would not have been possible without the commitment of KODA’s staff and partners including Donor Family Members, Hospitals, Transplant Centers, Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks, Transportation Cabinet, Coroners, Funeral Homes, and Volunteers.  Every partner is essential to KODA’s lifesaving mission.

Julie Bergin, KODA’s President and CEO, explains that 2020 has been an extraordinary year of growth for KODA due to the generosity of donor families and more people having joined donor registries in recent years.  “Despite the challenges our communities have faced over the past eight months, KODA has continued to honor those who have selflessly given the gift of life. While we have experienced unprecedented growth in our service area, we know there is still much to be done. There are 113,000 patients in the United States that continue to need a lifesaving gift. We are committed to working tirelessly to meet that need.”

Everyone can join KODA in their efforts to save more lives and provide hope to those waiting by registering as a donor or joining the KODA team.  To learn more information, register to save lives or checkout current position openings, visit donatelifeky.org.

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Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates mission is to provide organ and tissues to those in need and to maintain a profound respect for those who gave. For more information visit donatelifeky.org  or call 1-800-525-3456.