Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates

To provide organs and tissues for transplantation to those in need and to maintain a profound respect for those who gave.

Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates (KODA) originated as a combination of existing organ and tissue procurement programs at the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville. Incorporated March 2, 1987, KODA was formed to establish a statewide educational and procurement network.

Organ recovery and transplant efforts began at both UK and U of L in 1964, but the Universities did not have full-time staffs for procurement until 1978-79.

KODA is an independent, non-profit and tissue procurement agency with offices in Bowling Green, Lexington, Ashland/Huntington, Paducah and Louisville.

KODA's goal is to ensure that Kentuckians are aware of the options of organ and tissue donation, and that they have the information necessary to make individual, informed choices regarding donation. KODA provides training for hospital staffs who present the option of donation to families who have suffered the loss of a loved one. KODA staff are also available for presentations to schools, civic groups and churches.

Kentucky was the fourth state to pass legislation requiring hospitals to offer the option of organ and tissue donation to families of potential donors.

Federal legislation regarding donation became effective November 22, 1987. It requires hospitals to establish procedures to identify potential organ donors, inform families of the opportunity to donate, and notify organ procurement agencies (KODA) of potential donors. Virtually all of Kentucky's acute care hospitals have adopted procedures relating to organ and tissue donation.

In KODA's service area, the donation of organs (heart, kidney, pancreas, lung, and liver) and tissues (corneas, skin, heart valves, saphenous vein, bone and cartilage) have increased steadily over the last few years while the national rate of donation has remained the same.

One person's decision to become an organ and tissue donor can benefit as many as 200 lives. One donor can enhance or save the lives of one heart patient, one liver recipient, two lung patients, two kidney patients, one diabetic (pancreas), two people with impaired vision (corneas), three or four burn victims and over 100 recipients of bone grafts.

The need for organs and tissue is continuous. Organs cannot be stored for long periods of time. Hearts and lungs must be transplanted within 4-6 hours, a liver within 12-24 hours, and a kidney within 72 hours.

Although becoming a donor is a very personal decision, it is very important to discuss donation with your family. In Kentucky, hospitals and doctors must have your family's consent to honor your decision even if you have signed a donor card.

Discuss organ and tissue donation with your family, and decide to become a donor. For more information call KODA at 1-800-525-3456.

Website www.kyorgandonor.org

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