LOPA - Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency

02/18/2026

This week, our staff, along with the staff at Rapides Regional Medical Center, had the privilege to honor a hero who dedicated their life to saving others as a first responder.

When faced with the choice of donation, this hero chose to continue that legacy by offering the gift of life to those in need.

They stayed true to serving their community throughout their life; for that, we are eternally grateful.

02/17/2026

Happy Mardi Gras!

02/13/2026

Tomorrow is . Show your love for others by starting the conversation and encouraging those around you to register as organ, tissue, and eye donors at lopa.org/register

02/12/2026

In case you missed it last night, watch the full story here. THIS is what second chances look like.

Since he was a toddler, Frank Avila has been fighting for his life and winning. His battles include two kidney transplants and two double lung transplants.

02/11/2026

As we gear up for National Donor Day this Saturday, tune in to WVUE FOX 8 tonight at 10 p.m. to watch “In Sickness and in Health,” a powerful story of love, strength, and second chances made possible through donation!

Check back tomorrow for the full story in case you miss it.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

02/09/2026

Episode 260 of The Gifted Life Podcast is now available at thegiftedlife.org or your favorite podcast app!

Episode 260 is now available at thegiftedlife.org or your favorite podcast app like Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

In this episode, we celebrate generosity and the impact of stepping forward to give the gift of life to a stranger. Andrea Childers, a living kidney donor, and Jennifer Davis, her transplant recipient, join us to reflect on the journey that saved Jennifer's life. Andrea's confidence in giving the gift of life set in motion a life-changing path for both of them. Together, they open up about the emotions and hope that has carried them through.

02/05/2026

We’re excited to support Le Petit Theatre de Terrebonne production of The Tin Woman, a moving and relatable play that explores the connection between a heart recipient and her donor family. Productions like this help spark important conversations about donation and the lasting connections made possible through .

For more information and tickets, visit https://houmalittletheatre.com/

02/02/2026

This , we honor the legacy of Black donors, recipients, advocates, and industry trailblazers. Throughout February, we’ll highlight Black pioneers who have shaped the field of donation and transplantation. Their stories of innovation and resilience have created endless ripples, for all of us.

01/29/2026

To the Coroners, Medical Examiners, and Death Investigators who serve the state of Louisiana:

Lives would not be saved or enhanced without your participation. Your work takes strength, compassion, and quiet courage. You step into the hardest moments with professionalism, empathy, and integrity, often behind the scenes and without recognition. Your commitment to truth, dignity, and service makes a real difference for families and for our community. Thank you for the care you bring to this difficult work today and every day.

01/23/2026

Through the extraordinary generosity of Louisiana’s donor heroes in 2025, 997 organs were transplanted — saving, healing, and restoring hope for more lives than ever before. Behind every number, is a person and a family whose decision to say “yes” to donation has created a living, lasting impact.

LOPA President and CEO Brett Gordon said these outcomes reflect a powerful combination of innovation, collaboration, and dedication behind the mission. “Every advancement we make helps ensure that more donor heroes are able to fulfill their decision to save lives, and that more families waiting for a miracle receive one,” said Gordon.

Read more about the profound impact had in 2025 at https://www.lopa.org/news/2025

01/21/2026

"Dear Donor Family, I want to express my deepest most heartfelt gratitude to you and your loved one. Because of the incredible gift of life your family gave, I 've been given the chance to live again, fully, joyfully, and with my arms wide open.

Before my c2-t-1 transplant, I could no longer lift my arm or even close my hand. I couldn't pick up my grandchildren, hold them close or climbing with them, things I longed to do but physically couldn't. The loss of those moments weighed heavily on me. Thanks to your loved one's gift, that has all changed.

I can now, lift, hold, climb, and embrace again. I'm once more part of the adventure--part of their lives in the way I had almost given up hope for. Because of your family's grace amid grief, I get to be a full and present grandfather. That is a blessing beyond words. Please know that no day goes by without e thinking of your family and praying for you. I hope you find comfort in knowing the profound impact of your loved one continues to have.

They have given me the precious gift--more time, movement, and life."

With endless gratitude and prayers, Rob

01/19/2026

Today, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and his powerful words that inspire hope and action.

Just as he transformed despair into hope, organ, tissue, and eye donors bring hope to those waiting for a second chance at life. Let’s continue building a world full of compassion and generosity.