Despite the pandemic’s challenges in 2021, Indiana Donor Network pushed boundaries and demonstrated it is a catalyst for innovation as it transplanted more organs and saved more lives than any time in its 34-year history.
As the federally designated organ recovery organization for 85 of Indiana’s 92 counties, Indiana Donor Network has increased the number of organ transplants by 43 percent since 2019. Transplants in 2021 were 10 percent higher than in 2020, which was also a record-setting year.
In 2021, the organization ensured that 949 lifesaving organs were transplanted into patients on the national transplant waiting list. Indiana Donor Network contributed to the nation’s record-breaking year for organ transplants. Nationally in 2021, the U.S. reached more than 40,000 lifesaving organ transplants, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing.
Here’s a look back at Indiana Donor Network’s dedication to saving lives in 2021:
- Facilitated donation for 276 organ donors, a record-breaking amount.
- Transplanted a record 949 organs, saving the lives of more than 800 people.
- Cared for 1,357 tissue and cornea donors.
- Supported 2,345 family members of organ and tissue donors through its aftercare program.
- Conducted 109 organ recovery surgeries at Indiana Donor Network’s onsite Organ and Tissue Recovery Center, which opened in 2020.
- Added more than 120,000 new Hoosiers to the national donor registry.
- Flew a record 677 organ transport flights through TxJet, the network’s nonprofit subsidiary aviation service.
“Looking back on 2021, I can’t help but reflect on where Indiana Donor Network has been, where it is now and where we are going,” said Indiana Donor Network President and CEO Kellie Tremain. “When I started with the organization 22 years ago, I could have never imagined the massive growth and incredible achievements we have experienced. Our organization remains dedicated every day to growing, improving and challenging each other to think big, serve well and be remarkable.”
Other highlights from 2021:
- Hoosier advocates for organ and tissue donation volunteered 12,857 hours on behalf of Indiana Donor Network.
- Indiana Donor Network led 851 school and community educational presentations and activations throughout Indiana, engaging more than 145,000 Hoosiers.
Despite the record-setting year in Indiana and nationally, today there are nearly 107,000 Americans on the national transplant waiting list, including more than 1,000 Hoosiers. Every nine minutes, another person is added to the national transplant waiting list.
Despite age or medical history, anyone can sign up to be a donor online at Donate Life Indiana. Learn more about Indiana Donor Network online.
Indiana Donor Network’s mission is to save and enhance the quality of life through organ, tissue and eye donation and transplantation. Its vision is to be a leader in organ and tissue recovery. Founded in 1987, the organization coordinates donation in 85 of the state’s 92 counties and serves Indiana’s hospitals and transplant centers nationwide. With headquarters in Indianapolis, the organization also has offices in Fort Wayne, South Bend and Evansville and staff throughout the state.
About Indiana Donor Network
The decision to become an organ, tissue and eye donor is a decision to give the gift of life. Indiana Donor Network serves as the vital link between donors and patients waiting for lifesaving organ transplants, healing tissue and corneas to restore sight. The organization is a federally designated organ recovery organization and accredited tissue bank serving 85 of Indiana’s 92 counties. Its team of more than 250 dedicated professionals is committed to saving and healing lives through donation and transplantation, championing the cause through education and outreach and supporting donor families in their time of need. For more or to sign up as a donor, visit indianadonornetwork.org.
About Donate Life Indiana
Since 1998, Donate Life Indiana has been the state-authorized nonprofit organization responsible for managing the Indiana donor registry. Its mission is to save lives by creating opportunities for all Indiana citizens to sign up on the organization’s official state registry while striving to raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation and transplantation through public education. For more information, visit donatelifeindiana.org.