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Record number of San Diego organ donors reported in 2021

Record Year for Organ Donation in San Diego
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SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Lifesharing, a San Diego-based nonprofit that coordinates organ donations, reported a record number of organ donors in 2021.

Public Relations director Anne State said 146 people became organ donors when they passed away last year, ultimately saving hundreds of other lives.

“From those donors we were able to place 413 organs so that’s 413 lives saved just from donors here in the San Diego region,” said State.

As a way to pay tribute to both the lives lost and the lives saved, State lined their memorial garden with 413 roses.

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“These families really do, they do touch our hearts and I wanted people to know that their loved one is always top of mind for us here at Lifesharing,” she said.

According to Lifesharing, there are nearly 2,000 people waiting for transplants in San Diego alone.

The nonprofit said COVID-19-related deaths are not considered for organ donation, so the pandemic has not added to the increase in donors.