The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) today is recognizing National Donate Life Month, honoring the generosity of organ, eye, and tissue donors and families who make lifesaving donations possible. HRSA is also highlighting continued progress to strengthen and modernize the nation’s organ donation, procurement, and transplant system—the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). These efforts are part of HHS’s commitment to a more transparent, accountable, and patient-centered system.
More than 100,000 people in the United States are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. A single organ donor can save up to eight lives and help many more through tissue donation. National Donate Life Month is a reminder that behind every number is a real person waiting for a second chance.
“I am deeply grateful to donors and families whose selfless decisions save lives every day,” said HRSA Administrator Tom Engels. “As we honor their generosity, we are committed to strengthening the transplant system to better serve patients. Everyone involved—from HRSA to OPTN members and health care professionals—must meet the highest standards, because donors and patients deserve the very best care.”
Through the OPTN Modernization Initiative, HRSA is advancing key efforts to improve system performance, transparency, and patient safety:
- Regulatory Reform: HRSA is considering pursuing an update to the regulations governing the OPTN to strengthen federal oversight, clarify governance expectations, and ensure organ allocation policies are fair, transparent, and focused on patients.
- Strengthening Patient Safety: HRSA is enhancing monitoring and reporting to better identify and reduce patient safety risks, informed by feedback from patients, families, the transplant community, and external experts.
HRSA is also supporting innovation across the transplant system. Administrator Engels recently participated in a demonstration showcasing the use of drone technology to transport critical medical items needed for organ donation and transplantation, such as blood samples, lab materials, and medications. Technologies like this can improve coordination, increase efficiency, and support better care for patients.
National Donate Life Month underscores the importance of honoring donors while continuing to strengthen the system that makes transplantation possible. HHS encourages all Americans to consider joining the 170 million registered organ donors.
By modernizing the transplant system, rebuilding patient trust and confidence, and increasing organ donation, we can save more lives and ensure patients receive the care they need.
Learn more about organ donation and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network.
See highlights from the event on HRSA's social media channels (Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X).