LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates (KODA) announced a record 693 saved lives in 2023 through organ donation. In a news release, the organization announced 2023 was the sixth consecutive year KODA has eclipsed its previous records in saving lives and expanding the donor registry.

In 2023, 299 organ donors translated into 729 transplants, the most in KODA history. KODA said thousands more were impacted through tissue donation.

In 2023, there was a 25% increase in organ donation and a 20% increase in organ transplants, compared to 2022. It was also the highest number of lives saved in any given year at 693.

“Every day, our goal is to save lives, and we are consistently amazed by the selfless choices people make when they choose donation,” said Julie Bergin, president and CEO of KODA. “Giving the gift of life is the most generous act a person can make, and without our donors and donor families, we would have lost nearly 700 of our community members last year.”

KODA said 2023 marked the highest number of donations and transplants for hearts, kidneys, livers and lungs. Heart donation and transplantation increased by over 10%, while kidney donation and transplantation rose by over 29%; liver donation and transplantation increased by nearly 18%, and lung donation and transplantation was up by over 14%.

In addition, 633 tissue donors helped nearly 50,000 patients in need of transplantable graft for medical procedures such as heart valve replacements, skin grafts and orthopedic surgeries.

KODA was formed in 1987 to create a statewide educational and organ procurement network. It serves 114 counties in Kentucky, four counties in southern Indiana and two counties in West Viriginia, with a staff of over 150 health care workers and staff. It also coordinates with 125 hospitals and three regional transplant centers in its service area.