HHS recognizes hospitals, organ procurement organizations, transplant programs and outstanding individuals with awards for improving organ transplantation

The Department of Health and Human Services today presented awards to 307 hospitals, 28 organ procurement organizations (OPOs), 157 transplant programs, and 11 individuals for their success in increasing the number of organs available for transplantation.

All were recognized at the Sixth National Learning Congress for the Donation and Transplantation Community of Practice held in Grapevine, Texas.

Hospital representatives received the department’s Medal of Honor for Organ Donation for achieving and sustaining national goals for donation, including a donation rate of 75 percent or more of eligible donors at their facilities.

OPOs were recognized for their work based on similar criteria, while individual transplant programs received awards based on a combination of factors including one-year post transplant survival rates, deceased donor transplantation rates, and waitlist mortality rates.

Outstanding individuals selected from nominees in each of the 11 regions of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) received awards as Regional Champions, for making a difference and creating a positive impact on the field of organ donation and transplantation as a result of their passion, dedication, and diligent effort.

“We are honored to recognize these public health stewards who offer such profound service to society,” said HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Howard K. Koh, M.D., M.P.H.  "The awardees have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to quality and leadership that leaves a special legacy."  

HRSA’s Donation and Transplantation Community of Practice brings together donation and transplantation professionals, hospital staff, and other professionals who touch the donation process to identify and share best practices.

“These organizations and individuals have all made a real difference by working to increase the number of organs available for transplantation,” said Mary K. Wakefield, Ph.D., R.N., administrator of HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), which leads federal efforts to increase organ and tissue donation and transplantation.  “We are proud of their efforts.  Together, they are helping to save and improve the lives of individuals across America. ‘’

HRSA has federal oversight of the nation’s organ donation and transplantation network.  For more information, please visit www.organdonor.gov.

2010 HHS Medal of Honor Hospitals
Organ Procurement Organization Awards
Transplant Program Awards
Regional Champions Award Winners

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), part of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary Federal agency for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated, or medically vulnerable. For more information about HRSA and its programs, visit www.hrsa.gov.

Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.