We’re categorized as an Organ Procurement Organization, but we like to think something greater defines us.

In 1984, legislation creating the National Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) for matching donor organs to waiting recipients was signed into law. The OPTN includes all OPOs and transplant centers and is managed by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). The OPTN standardized the process through which organs are donated and shared across the country as well as created the system of OPOs—each of which is federally-designated and serves communities in specific areas in the country.

Donor Alliance was formed in 1997 as the result of a merger between Colorado Organ Recovery Systems (CORS) and the Mile High Transplant Bank (MHTB). This timeline is not only our history, but the history of organ and tissue donation and transplantation in our nation. We have done our best to capture the highlights, dedicating this living history to the courageous men, women, children and families who gave so generously of themselves so that others could live. It is also dedicated to the brave recipients who have given us the knowledge that any life given to save the life of another is not lived in vain. Finally, we dedicate this to the daring medical professionals who challenge the conventions of science to save and enhance lives through organ and tissue donation.

Colorado and Wyoming have experienced significant milestones and have been impacted by many inspirational stories about organ and tissue donation over the past 25 years.