Lifelink Foundation Inc

Lifelink tissue bank: lifelink tissue bank is a dedicated steward of the legacy entrusted to us by tissue donors and their families. We honor each tissue donor by safely providing an enhanced quality of life to as many people as possible through tissue transplantation and innovative research to improve patient care. (continued on schedule o) generous tissue donors made possible more than 78,000 musculoskeletal tissue grafts to enhance the lives of patients in need of tissue transplantation. Additionally, through birth tissue donation, the only donation lifelink facilitates from living donors, nearly 65,000 grafts were made available to help patients recover from difficult-to-heal wounds, diabetic ulcers and during other life enhancing surgical procedures.tissues recovered by lifelink tissue bank: skin: primarily used to assist in the healing of burn patients bone: used for a variety of orthopedic and spinal procedures tendons: often used on sports-related injuries valves: used commonly in heart valve replacement surgeries birth tissue: placental tissue donated by new mothers after the birth of their baby and the only tissue recovered and processed by lifelink tissue bank from a living donor, is utilized as a wound covering. Tissues processed and distributed by lifelink tissue bank: spinal grafts: designed to promote fusion and help patients who suffer from severe and/or chronic pain to lead normal lives. Sports grafts: used in joint restoration procedures to help restore movement to patients suffering from pain and discomfort that prevents them from enjoying active lifestyles. General orthopedic grafts: help to promote bone formation, optimize healing and accelerate a patient's return to normal function. Fresh amniotic birth tissue to treat diabetic foot ulcers and other difficult to close wounds.

Lifelink transplantation immunology laboratory: lifelink transplantation immunology laboratory brings the legacy established by organ donors and their families to life by serving as the matchmaker between organ donors and potential transplant recipients. We continue to honor donors by ensuring the longevity of renewed life with diligent post-transplant monitoring and innovative research to improve patient care. (continued on schedule o)during the 2024 fiscal year, the lifelink transplantation immunology laboratory facilitated 1,089 lifesaving transplants for six transplant centers served. They also evaluated 641 living donors and 961 deceased donors and conducted over 43,000 transplant related tests. In addition, the lifelink transplantation immunology laboratory implemented hla typing by next-generation sequencing (ngs) to better assess the compatibility of a donor and a potential recipient.

Research and development: the primary goal of lifelink is to recover lifesaving organs and tissues for transplantation. However, there are instances when those organs and/or tissues are unable to be transplanted, in which case they can still be directed to help others in need through research initiatives. Research and development aids lifelink efforts to maximize all gifts of donation with a shared goal to benefit donation and transplantation outcomes through scientific endeavors.

Public education: public and professional education in georgia, florida, and puerto rico: the public affairs and multicultural donation education program teams work to provide donation education and increase donor registration across various audiences including driver license issuing offices, hospitals, youth, faith, and minority communities. Lifelink utilizes volunteers throughout our service areas to share donation and transplant stories while encouraging individuals to make a lifesaving decision by registering to be an organ and tissue donor. Through this outreach and education, more than 1,555,520 individuals in florida, georgia, and puerto rico registered as organ and tissue donors during the 2024 fiscal year.