June 2018 Sets Record for Organ and Tissue Donation in the Upper Midwest

LifeSource cares for a record 109 organ, eye, and tissue donors in June 2018, leading to 77 organs transplanted

Minneapolis (July 2018) – LifeSource, the nonprofit organization that facilitates organ, eye and tissue donation in the Upper Midwest, worked with 25 grieving families to steward the gifts of 77 organ transplants as well as 84 tissue donors who helped hundreds more in June 2018. This marks the highest month for donation in the organizations nearly three-decade history and is due to the generosity of donors, their families and the dedication of the LifeSource team.

The record month for organ and tissue donation was joined by 19 eye donors, passing on the gift of sight. Eye donation is a new program for LifeSource, having launched on May 1st, 2018 in Minnesota and North Dakota. Additionally, the month of June marked the highest number of adults registered to be organ, eye and tissue donors throughout Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota at 65%, which is more than 10% higher than the national average.

“The generosity and support of our community to save lives through the gifts of organ, eye and tissue donation never ceases to humble and amaze me,” said LifeSource CEO Susan Gunderson. “This lifesaving work couldn’t be accomplished without the continued support from our partners around the region. The commitment to the mission of donation of the 279 hospitals, 9 transplant centers, funeral directors, medical examiners and driver’s license partners throughout the Upper Midwest is the engine that makes this work possible.”

Even with the generosity of donor family members and the continued efforts of LifeSource and partner organizations, nearly 3,400 people in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota continue to wait for a lifesaving transplant. For more information about donation or to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor, please visit DonateLifeMN.org.