Kentucky Eclipses Donation Records in 2022

Organization celebrates more lives saved through organ donation than any other year

LOUISVILLE, Ky., (Jan. 10, 2023) – For the fifth consecutive year, Kentucky has once again broken its record of saving lives. In 2022, 239 organ donors and 539 tissue donors resulted in nearly 600 lives saved across the Commonwealth – a 23% increase in organ donation compared to 2021 and the most lives saved in any year.

Partnerships with 112 hospitals and area transplant centers throughout the region supported the organization and made another year of record-breaking donation numbers possible. Organ procurement organization partnerships with the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks, Donate Life KY, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Eye Bank of Kentucky, Coroners, and Medical Examiners, which are key to the mission’s success.

This year, Eye Bank of Kentucky reported 710 cornea donors gave the gift of sight in 2022, resulting in 1106 total transplanted corneas. Additionally, KY Circuit Court Clerks’ Trust For Life says more than 90,000 people joined Kentucky’s confidential organ donor registry, stating their wish to be donors and help others.

Currently, the number of people waiting for a transplant still far exceeds the available number of organs, tissues, and corneas. There are 1032 individuals in Kentucky waiting for a life-saving organ transplant and thousands of others who will be in need of a tissue or cornea transplant in 2023. Those interested in becoming donors can register online at RegistermeKY.org to bring hope to those waiting. For more information about organ, tissue, and cornea donation, please visit donatelifeky.org.