US Surpassed More Than 48,000 Transplants in 2024

The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) announced that 48,149 organ transplants were performed in 2024, according to data from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). This is the first time the United States has ever performed more than 48,000 organ transplants in one year and represents a critical step in the nationwide effort to increase the number of lifesaving organ transplants while improving the system.

On average, the U.S. performed 132 transplants a day in 2024.

This lifesaving work was made possible thanks to the selfless gifts of life provided by 16,988 deceased donors and 7,030 living donors, as well as the support provided by so many donor families and the expertise of medical professionals across the country.

“Each transplant represents an individual, a family, a story, and a life saved or improved,” said UNOS CEO Maureen McBride, Ph.D. “Each transplant also represents a selfless decision made by a grieving family or an inspired living donor, and it is incumbent upon us to honor each and every one of those irreplaceable gifts. That means working together to enact substantive reforms that increase the total number of transplants, and the number of recovered donor organs ultimately transplanted.”

  McBride also stated: “We will continue our work to strengthen the system as long as there are patients waiting for a transplant.”

To learn more about UNOS’ recommendations, see UNOS’ Action Agenda. 

About UNOS

The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) is a nonprofit organization that serves the organ donation and transplant system and broader public health community through its work developing new technologies and initiatives, conducting data-driven research and analysis, providing expert consulting services, advocating for patients, and being a leader in bringing communities together to save lives.

·      From UNOS.org, January 15, 2025