Organ transplants up 20% over five years

U.S. hospitals performed more than 33,600 organ transplants in 2016, 8.5% more than in 2015 and 20% more than in 2012, according to preliminary data from the United Network for Organ Sharing. The overall growth in transplants was largely driven by an increase in deceased donors from 2015 to 2016, continuing a six-year trend. “In 2016, more than ever, Donate Life America and the Donate Life Community worked to meet the public where they are, bringing the message and the donor registration opportunity to them on their iPhones, at the DMV, on social media and at events – making registration trusted, easy and secure,” said David Fleming, president and CEO of Donate Life America. AHA is a partner in Donate Life America, an alliance of national organizations and state teams committed to increasing the number of donated organs, eyes and tissue available for transplant. UNOS manages the nation’s organ transplant system under contract with the Department of Health and Human Services.