Individuals Giving the Gift of Life

Last year Lifeline of Ohio said they saw unprecedented numbers of organ, eye and tissue donors in Central and Southeast Ohio.

177 individuals donated organs upon their death resulting in 463 organs transplanted saving the lives of 418 recipients. 665 tissue donors gave the gift of tissue and 356 Cornea donors gave the gift of sight.

The CEO of Lifeline of Ohio’s said that he believes they saw more donations for multiple reasons. More people know others impacted by donations and another in generosity.

“In the most difficult time, a tragedy in a families life, the most difficult time in the death of their loved one they are thinking of others. They are thinking how can I help other? How can I save lives for generations to come? I think that’s really really telling and speaks to what I said before about generosity,” said Andrew Mullins CEO of Lifeline of Ohio.

Despite the rise in donations many still wait for transplants there are more than 105,000 people waiting nationally, more than 3,000 in Ohio and 17 right here in Muskingum County. If you decide to become a donor Mullins encourages you to talk with your loved ones.

“People are having those end of life conversations earlier. We’re talking about it. If you make the decision today to become a registered organ, eye and tissue donor. We also ask that you talk to your family about it. I think a lot of those conversations are happening not just because of the pandemic but as year after year goes by people are having those conversations as families,” said Mullins.

To become an organ, eye or tissue donor you can make your decision known next time you are at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. You can also visit LifeLineofOhio.org and fill out the form. Only Lifeline of Ohio has access to the donor list.