LOUISVILLE, Ky. – In observation of National Donate Life Month, UofL Health – Jewish Hospital raised a flag to honor those who have given the gift of life and to encourage Kentuckians to register as organ, eye and tissue donors.
“Today we recognize the courage of our donors, the strength of our recipients and the dedication of our care teams who make these life-changing stories possible every day,” said Jewish Hospital CEO John Walsh. “Every transplant starts with a decision—to give, to share, to save a life. Today, we honor those who made the decision to give, those whose lives were saved through transplantation and the care teams who helped make it all possible.”
In 2025, more than 104,000 Americans, 1,000 Kentuckians and 1,200 Hoosiers are waiting for a lifesaving organ. A single organ donor can save up to eight lives, while a tissue donor can heal more than 50 lives. Additionally, more than 1,000 Kentuckians have their eyesight restored through cornea transplants every year.
“UofL is proud to be designated an R1 research institution by the Carnegie Foundation—one of only 187 in the nation. This distinction places us at the forefront of medical innovation, and the Trager Transplant Program is a shining example of how academic medicine can transform lives,” said University of Louisville president Gerry Bradley. “This program is not only a center of excellence for care—it is also where we train the next generation of transplant providers, conduct groundbreaking research and pioneer new treatments. In fact, ensuring the strength and future of the transplant program was one important reason the university purchased the KentuckyOne Health Louisville assets in 2019.”
UofL Health has a long history of supporting organ, tissue and eye donation. In 2018, UofL Health – UofL Hospital unveiled a memorial honoring organ donors to remind everyone of the gifts and sacrifice given by the donors that have come through the hospital over decades.
Additionally, the UofL Health – Trager Transplant Center, located in downtown Louisville, is nationally recognized for performing Kentucky’s first adult heart, pancreas, heart-liver, double-lung and liver transplants. The multidisciplinary team was also responsible for the first minimally invasive kidney donation in Kentucky.
Join the National Donate Life Registry and sign up to become an organ, eye and tissue donor by visiting RegisterMe.org.
