Pictured left: Coyle, kidney recipient, with his dad
The Men Are the Answer campaign was created by LifeSource, a federally-designated, nonprofit medical organization responsible for managing the organ donation process in Minnesota.
We’re one of 56 organ procurement organizations, or OPOs, in the United States. Since 1989, we’ve served more than 22,000 families in the Upper Midwest whose loved ones have generously donated organs or tissues for transplant. Unfortunately, there are more people waiting for a transplant than there are organs available, which is why our programs include public education and awareness. We aim to inspire conversations about the topic and benefits of organ donation, and highlight the fact that everyone can register as a donor. Our current campaign is built upon our past efforts to educate, inform and inspire the community.
OPOs, or organ procurement organizations, were created by the federal government to act as an independent intermediary in the organ donation process between hospitals and transplant centers to ensure the integrity of the donation process is equitable and based on medical criteria, and that the families of donors are informed and supported every step of the way. Each OPO has a dedicated, federally-mandated service area in which they operate – ours is the second largest in the country, comprising the 7 million people who live in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and portions of western Wisconsin. Learn more about our services.
While men’s lives are greatly impacted by organ donation, fewer of them are registered organ donors. Studies show many men are ready to register and just haven’t gotten to it, and this campaign is designed to encourage those men who are ready to get off the sidelines to get the facts and register as a donor.
Informing the campaign is a new, first of its kind research study we conducted to better understand organ donation attitudes, perceptions and barriers among unregistered men, with a companion study conducted among registered men and women for comparison and additional insights. Key insights helped shape our efforts to show that men are the answer to saving lives.
Many people want to know more about how donation works. Learn more about the steps behind the organ donation process, the role of organ procurement organizations, their partnerships with transplant centers across the country, and how families are supported every step of the way.
There are many questions and myths around organ, eye and tissue donation. Unfortunately, people often disqualify themselves as potential donors by citing misconceptions. Check out these videos to get the facts and learn that regardless of your age, race, religion, or health you can still share the gift of life.
“It’s beauty. It’s a gift. It’s a divine blessing. I encourage every single individual to do the same.” Dr. Rolanda Schmidt, Donor Mother.
“I told my son that I wanted him to grow up to be a good person. But actually, he taught me how to become a good person.”
Every day I wake up and I’m thankful for my donor and my donor’s family. I’m still here and hoping to live another 40 years because of them.
Ben Williams, kidney recipient and former NFL player
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