Ochsner MyChart now includes organ donor registration

More than 4,900 Ochsner patients have already registered as donors — a meaningful step forward as 2,000 Louisianians wait for a lifesaving transplant

NEW ORLEANS - Ochsner Health announced that more than 4,900 patients have registered as organ, eye and tissue donors through MyChart since the health system added the feature last August. The update places Ochsner seventh among major U.S. health systems using MyChart for donor registrations, a testament to the commitment of the Ochsner community and the power of accessible, patient-centered innovation. 

Advancing organ and tissue donation through technology

Organ donation saves lives, but the gap between need and availability remains a pressing challenge in the United States. April is National Donate Life Month, an annual opportunity to raise awareness of critical facts that highlight the urgency of addressing this issue:

• More than 100,000 people across the United States are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. 
• Approximately 2,000 of those individuals are Louisianians. 
• Every day, 13 people die because the organs they need are not donated in time. 
• Although nearly 90% of Americans support organ donation, only about half are registered donors. 

Ochsner's MyChart integration directly tackles this gap by enabling patients to easily register as organ donors through a simple and seamless process—making it available where they already manage their health.  

"Every life saved through an organ transplant begins with the extraordinary generosity of someone who chose to become a registered donor," said Ari Cohen, MD, director of the Ochsner Transplant Institute. "We are deeply grateful to these selfless individuals. By bringing donor registration to MyChart, we are making it easier than ever to give the gift of life. The remarkable registration numbers we’ve already seen highlight the compassion and commitment of our community to making a difference." 

Empowering patients to make life-saving decisions

When patients register through MyChart, their information is added directly to the National Donate Life Registry, and it travels with them, even if they relocate outside Louisiana. Patients can choose to donate for transplant, research, or educational purposes. Their decision remains private and is not visible to their care team. Because basic patient information is already stored in MyChart, the registration process is fast and straightforward.  

Ochsner developed this tool in partnership with Donate Life America and Epic, the electronic health record platform that powers MyChart for 180 million people nationwide. "Donate Life America is excited to work with Ochsner Health and Epic to make donor registration more accessible than ever," said David Fleming, president and CEO of Donate Life America. "By integrating this opportunity into MyChart, we are reaching people where they already manage their health and creating a seamless, trusted pathway for lifesaving generosity." 

The impact of seamless donor registration

Ochsner has been a leader in transplant medicine for decades. Since 1984, Ochsner has performed more than 9,500 life-saving transplants, establishing itself as the most active and experienced transplant center in Louisiana and across the Gulf South region. This latest innovation reflects Ochsner's ongoing commitment to finding new and better ways to serve patients and strengthen communities.

Ochsner patients can register as organ, eye, and tissue donors by logging into their MyChart account or visiting Save 9 | Ochsner Health. Non-patients can register at RegisterMe.org.

Learn more about living organ donation and transplant services at Ochsner by visiting Ochsner Transplant Institute | Ochsner Health.

Media contact: pr@ochsner.org

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