National Donate Life Month celebrates gift of organ and tissue donation
Covington, LA (March 30, 2026) – LOPA (Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency), along with hospital and community partners, will honor organ and tissue donor heroes statewide with events and activities scheduled throughout National Donate Life Month (NDLM) in April. These tributes and ceremonies are especially poignant this year as 2025 marked the largest number of lives saved, and individuals healed, through organ and tissue donation in the state’s history.
The year saw 336 organ donors and 838 tissue donors give the gift of life resulting in 997 lifesaving organ transplants and thousands of tissue grafts restoring sight, mobility, and health for individuals in Louisiana and across the country. Expanded use of data, recovery technologies, and clinical systems to improve organ and tissue placement efficiency and reduce missed opportunities for donation resulted in a 13 percent increase in the total number of organs transplanted.
“What’s most important to remember is that behind every number, is a person and a family whose deision to say ‘yes’ to donation has created a living, lasting impact,” said LOPA President and CEO
Brett Gordon. He added that the recent achievements reflect a combination of innovation, collaboration, and the dedication of the people behind LOPA’s mission of answering every need and
every donation, everyday.
“Every advancement we make helps ensure more donor heroes are able to fulfill their decision to save lives, and that more families waiting for a miracle receive one,” said Gordon. “Clinical perfusion
advancements have been particularly impactful, allowing us to better preserve organ function and expand transplant possibilities.”
NDLM will feature different types of events such as receptions, flag raisings and butterfly releases at hospitals, health systems and partner medical providers. Registration is not required, and there is
no cost to attend.
Additionally, LOPA will host five Path of Remembrance events across the state where donor families and recipients will have the opportunity to honor their donor heroes. These family-friendly gatherings will also include butterfly releases, as well as activities for children. The agendas for each location differ, so be sure to check lopa.org/path. Registration is requested for these events, which are also free to attend. Such events are designed to support the nearly 3,000 donor families that LOPA has the privilege of working with to offer guidance, resources and compassion following a time of tremendous loss in their lives.
- April 11 – Baton Rouge, Rural Life Museum from 10 a.m. – noon
- April 18 – Covington, LOPA Donor Memorial Park from 10-11 a.m.
- April 19 – Shreveport, American Rose Center from 2-4 p.m.
- April 25 – Broussard, St. Julien Park from 1-3 p.m.
- May 9 – Monroe, Forsythe Park from 10-11:30 a.m.
Gordon emphasized that continued growth of the LOPA team, along with close collaboration with hospital partners across the state, has been pivotal in translating opportunity into impact. “Our ability to save and heal more lives is driven by the passion and expertise of our team and the trust and partnership we share with hospitals, coroners, funeral homes and other community partners throughout Louisiana,” Gordon added. “Together, we are honoring every donor hero by maximizing the gift they so generously gave.”
Louisiana residents are encouraged to join the Louisiana Donor Registry through a variety of pathways: in-person at the Office of Motor Vehicles, online at lopa.org, through the Department of
Wildlife and Fisheries, or via the LA Wallet App. The decision to register as a donor is a decision to save lives.
