in focus
From 1998 to 2018, LifeLink of Georgia's annual donor recoveries increased from 41 to 118.

From 1998 to 2018, LifeLink’s annual donor recoveries increased from 41 to 118.
Since developing its Multicultural Donation Education Program (MDEP) in 1994, LifeLink of Georgia has nearly tripled African-American donors.
While African Americans are 13.4 percent of the U.S. population*, they remain disproportionately represented on the current wait list (28.6 percent according to the most recent OPTN data).
African Americans are at increased risk for high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, all of which can lead to organ failure. They are also more likely to be highly sensitized, which can mean a compatible organ may take longer to receive.
Because compatible blood types and tissue markers are more likely to be found among members of the same ethnicity, increasing organ donation in minority groups is crucial to increasing transplants.
Through its focused quality improvement and education initiatives, LifeLink of Georgia has increased donor registration in the African-American communities across Georgia. This has led to a sustained increase in donor recoveries, and means more lifesaving organs can get to the patients who need them.
*According to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau population estimates.
Read about Bobby Howard, Director of Multicultural Donation Education at LifeLink, building trust in the community.
In focus

More than 15,000 liver transplants performed in first two years of acuity circles policy
Two-year monitoring shows many states had volume changes within 10 percent of previous policy.

7,000 organs tracked with UNOS Organ Tracking Service
30% of all OPOs use the UNOS Organ Tracking Service to monitor organs in transit.

7 years of HOPE
Implemented in 2015 , the HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act has given more than 350 living with HIV an opportunity to receive a lifesaving transplant from an HIV-positive donor.

Over 5,000 organs tracked with UNOS Organ Tracking Service
26% of all OPOs are now utilizing the UNOS Organ Tracking Service to monitor organs in transit.