Our Work & Mission
Our mission is to save and enhance the lives of as many people as possible through organ and tissue donation.
Our Work
The decision to become an organ and tissue donor offers a precious gift to others: hope for a new life!
As one of 55 organ procurement organizations (OPOs) that make up the nation’s donation system, we work with hospitals, partners and families throughout Illinois and northwest Indiana to carry out that life-changing decision for everyone who makes it.
Since 1986, we have worked with more than 10,000 organ donors and their families to save the lives of more than 29,000 organ transplant recipients. We have worked with thousands more donors and their families to improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of tissue transplant recipients.
As healthcare administrators and professionals, clinicians and educators, we are responsible for:
- Carrying out the decisions of individuals who register to become organ and tissue donors.
- Evaluating potential donors for medical suitability at the time of death.
- Discussing donation with each donor’s legal next-of-kin, and providing outcomes and support for as long as they seek it.
- Coordinating the complex organ and tissue donation process, working closely with legal next-of-kin, hospitals, funeral directors, coroners, state’s attorneys and other agencies directly involved with a death.
- Coordinating the placement of donated organs for transplant in compliance with strict national allocation policies, or for research and education purposes when transplantation is not possible.
- Educating and supporting healthcare professionals in their roles in the donation process, and assisting hospitals with the development of policies and procedures that facilitate the donation process for staff and families.
- Educating the 12 million people in our service area and about donation and how to register as donors.
We also work with other transplant centers and other OPOs through the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) to provide lifesaving organs for patients awaiting them. UNOS is a nonprofit organization that manages the national organ donation and transplantation system. UNOS matches donated organs with patients in need, in accordance with strict federal guidelines intended to ensure equitable distribution.
- Advocate Christ Medical Center
- Hines VA Medical Center
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
- Loyola University Medical Center
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital
- Rush University Medical Center
- OSF Saint Francis Medical Center
- UChicago Medicine
- UI Health
- Springfield Memorial Hospital
Our values
Passionate People
We believe our work is sacred, and the impact we have on people is extraordinary. We are determined, dedicated, motivated and excited to grow, learn and help others. Our devotion and work ethic inspire trust, credibility and respect from our peers, external partners and donor families.
Outstanding Teams
We support and include each other, are kind to one another, and are of service to each other because our success is a direct reflection of our collaboration. We are respectful of others, support one another and strive to maintain open and honest communication.
Compassionate Service
We meet our donor families at a time of loss. We are aware that we can affect that moment for them in a positive way. We see donation as an opportunity to help families heal and recover and to find hope and life in the debris of death.
