Kentucky Announces Record-Breaking 2021

Nonprofit organization reports 75% increase in local donors since 2017

LOUISVILLE, Ky., (Jan. 13, 2022) – Despite a global pandemic, Kentucky has again broken their record of saving and enhancing lives with more than 1,000 heroic organ, tissue, and cornea donors in 2021.

The nonprofit organ procurement organization supported the decisions of more donor families than ever before — 189 organ donors and 484 tissue donors resulted in 536 organ transplants and more than 500 lives saved. 2021 was the fourth consecutive year of growth, resulting in a 75% increase compared to the number of local organ donors in 2017.

Partnerships built with 112 hospitals and area transplant centers that KODA serves were essential in reaching the record-breaking number of donations in 2021. KODA has additional partnerships with the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Kentucky Lions Eye Bank (KLEB), and Coroners that are also key to the mission’s success.

KLEB reported 653 cornea donors gave the gift of sight in 2021. Additionally, KY Circuit Court Clerks’ Trust For Life reports more than 94,000 people joined Kentucky’s confidential organ donor registry, stating their wish to be a donor and help others.

Currently, the number of people waiting for a transplant far exceeds the available organs, tissues, and corneas. Unfortunately, with thousands waiting, 20 people die each day without receiving a lifesaving transplant.

Those interested in becoming a donor can register online at RegisterMe.org to bring hope to those waiting. For more information about organ, tissue, and cornea donation, please visit donatelifeky.org.