LOUISIANA DONOR HEROES SAVE A RECORD 670 LIVES IN 2022
LOPA sees increase in organ, tissue and eye donation for transplantation and medical research.
LOPA, the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency, announced today that Louisiana donor heroes saved 670 lives in 2022, breaking the organization’s record for donation and transplantation in the state. A total of 739 heroes shared their gifts of life to those waiting on organ and tissue transplants, with a record 114 of them donating both organs and tissues.
In addition to substantial increases in both organ donors (9.5%) and tissue donors (22%), LOPA reported a 73% increase in organs recovered for medical research. “Overall, we are seeing more families say yes to donation–whether it be for transplantation or for medical research,” said Kelly Ranum, Chief Executive Officer at LOPA. “We are grateful that their gifts are providing second chances at life for transplant recipients as well as contributing to medical advancements, not just in the transplant community but in all areas of health and wellness.”
LOPA continues to be in the forefront of medical research and advancement. Its work with recovering vertebral bodies contributed to the establishment of the first bone marrow bank in the country. Furthermore, LOPA was the recovery agency for the first successful HIV+ heart transplant in the world. Surgeons at Montefiore Medical Center in New York transplanted the heart and kidney of Louisiana resident and donor hero, Brittany Newton into Miriam Nieves earlier this year.
More than 70% of these donor heroes made the decision for themselves by registering as donors in advance. This action not only helps ensure an individual’s end of life decision is honored, but it also takes the burden off family members to make a decision during such a traumatic time.
“The selflessness of our donors and their families offer the potential for hope and healing for the almost 2,000 people in Louisiana waiting for a lifesaving organ. We are in a unique position to facilitate lifesaving transplants, to contribute to ground-breaking research, and to provide support to our families along their grief journey,” said Ranum. “It is imperative that we set and achieve bold goals in order to help more people in the coming years.”
ABOUT LOPA
As the organ procurement organization for Louisiana, we help save lives, restore health and enhance medical care through organ and tissue donation. We are a nonprofit that services our state’s diverse community by supporting families through tragic loss, during the donation process, and along their grief journey. Our team is passionate about sharing the impact of donation and educating professionals and the community.