Kentucky Continued to Break Records in 2020

(LOUISVILLE, KY, Jan. 19, 2021) – Despite a global pandemic, Kentucky has once again broken the record of saving and enhancing lives facilitating over 1,000 heroic organ, tissue, and cornea donors in 2020. 

The nonprofit organ procurement organization and their hardworking staff supported more donor families’ decisions than ever before — 178 deceased organ donors resulted in 535 organs being transplanted, which translates to over 500 lives saved, and 575 tissue donors generously healed thousands of lives with their gifts.  This marks a 30% increase from 2019, which combines a 30% increase in recent years.  Nationally there was a 6% increase in deceased organ donation. 

The solid partnerships built with 112 hospitals and three transplant centers that KODA serves were essential to reaching the unprecedented number of donations this year.  Additional partnerships key to the mission’s success is with Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Kentucky Lions Eye Bank (KLEB), and Coroners throughout the service area. 

KLEB reports working with 590 cornea donors in 2020, giving the gift of sight to those in need. Circuit Clerks’ Trust For Life reports over 60,000 new names added to Kentucky’s confidential organ donor registry stating their wish to be a donor and help others.

With the number of people waiting for a transplant far exceeding the organs, tissue, and corneas available, the need is great.  With thousands waiting, tragically, 22 die each day without receiving one. Everyone can register online as a donor to bring hope to those waiting.

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