Beyond the Transplant: LifeNet Health Honors Partners Driving Innovation in Tissue Donation

Virginia Beach, VA – November 5, 2025 – LifeNet Health today announced the recipients of its 2025 Partnership Excellence Awards, recognizing organizations at the forefront of tissue recovery and transplantation. While organ donation often dominates headlines, these awards highlight the critical – and growing – importance of tissue donation in a wide range of life-enhancing and life-saving procedures. This year's honorees – LIFESHARE CAROLINAS, SOUTHWEST TRANSPLANT ALLIANCE, MIDWEST TRANSPLANT NETWORK, and NETWORK FOR HOPE – exemplify the collaborative spirit driving innovation in regenerative medicine.

“Tissue recovery demands exceptional skill, precision, and compassion,” said John D’Abbracio, Senior Vice President of LifeNet Health Global Donor Services. “Our recovery professionals demonstrate extraordinary physical and emotional endurance to ensure every donor is treated with the utmost respect. Each recovery is performed with dignity, honoring the donor's gift and extending their legacy of healing.”

The awards, presented at LifeNet Health’s GRNS Health Expo, recognize excellence in several key areas. LIFESHARE CAROLINAS took home two awards: ‘ATHENA’ for Overall Excellence and ‘ZEUS’ for Cardiac Performance. SOUTHWEST TRANSPLANT ALLIANCE earned the ‘APOLLO’ award for Vascular Performance, MIDWEST TRANSPLANT NETWORK received ‘ARTEMIS’ for Pediatric Performance, and NETWORK FOR HOPE was honored with ‘HERMES’ for its unwavering Quality Focus.

Beyond Organs: A Growing Need for Tissue Donation

While organ transplantation receives considerable attention, the demand for tissues is steadily increasing. Tissues are used in a vast array of procedures, from treating burn victims with skin grafts to repairing damaged cartilage with meniscus transplants, and even providing heart valve replacements. According to data from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), the need for tissues is outpacing the supply in several key areas, highlighting the importance of efficient recovery processes and strong partnerships.

“The public often thinks of donation in terms of organs, but the reality is that tissues can profoundly impact quality of life and save lives in ways many don’t realize,” explains a representative from a leading transplant network, speaking anonymously. “Every donation, regardless of whether it’s an organ or tissue, is a gift, and it’s critical to honor that gift through meticulous recovery and respectful handling.”

The Power of Collaboration: LifeNet Health’s GRNS Program

LifeNet Health’s Global Recovery Network Services (GRNS) program plays a vital role in fostering collaboration and driving innovation within the field. The program focuses on strengthening recovery practices, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring every donor’s gift reaches those in need. GRNS facilitates knowledge sharing, provides training resources, and supports best practices in tissue recovery.

“The GRNS program is built on the idea that we are all working towards the same goal: to maximize the impact of every donation,” explains a LifeNet Health spokesperson. “By working closely with our partners, we can ensure that tissues are recovered safely, efficiently, and with the utmost respect for the donor.”

Spotlight on Excellence: Honoree Profiles

LIFESHARE CAROLINAS, recognized for both overall excellence and cardiac performance, has long been a leader in the field. “They consistently demonstrate a commitment to quality, innovation, and compassionate care,” notes a representative from the transplant community. Their robust training program and dedication to continuous improvement have set a high standard for others to follow.

SOUTHWEST TRANSPLANT ALLIANCE’s ‘APOLLO’ award for vascular performance reflects their expertise in recovering and processing vital vascular tissues used in reconstructive surgery and other critical procedures. Their meticulous attention to detail and adherence to strict quality control standards have earned them a reputation for excellence.

MIDWEST TRANSPLANT NETWORK’s ‘ARTEMIS’ award for pediatric performance highlights their commitment to providing tissues for children in need. They work closely with pediatric hospitals and medical centers to ensure that children receive the tissues they need to thrive.

NETWORK FOR HOPE’s ‘HERMES’ award for quality focus underscores their unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards in tissue recovery and processing. They have implemented rigorous quality control measures to ensure that every tissue is safe and effective.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Tissue Donation

The demand for tissues is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, driven by an aging population and advancements in regenerative medicine. To meet this demand, it is crucial to strengthen partnerships, invest in training and education, and promote awareness of the importance of tissue donation.

“The future of tissue donation depends on our collective ability to innovate, collaborate, and honor the generosity of donors,” explains a representative from the transplant network. “By working together, we can ensure that tissues reach those who need them most, improving lives and extending hope.”

LifeNet Health’s annual awards serve as a powerful reminder of the dedication, compassion, and innovation that drive the field of tissue donation and transplantation. By recognizing the contributions of these exceptional organizations, LifeNet Health is helping to build a brighter future for those in need.