Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
The Strategic Plan and Bold Aims identified by our Board of Directors helped to shape the efforts of the organization in moving toward those goals.
In 2022, we continued efforts to save more lives through organ and tissue donation, working toward the goal of 1,000 organ transplants annually by 2027. The LifeSource team achieved 760 organ transplants from local donors. In addition, we honored the wishes of 1,059 tissue donors to heal and improve lives. Both of these measures were milestone benchmarks for the organization.
Greyson, a heart transplant recipient at a young age, inspired his community throughout his short life. Through the determined advocacy of his grandmother and family members after their experience of donation and transplantation, and in collaboration with LifeSource, the tribal community made the decision to add donor designation to tribal identification. On June 7, 2022, the "Greyson Initiative" was passed by the Tribal Council of Turtle Mountain.
The initiative seeks to increase awareness of donation, increasing the number of people from tribal communities who say “yes” to donation. The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa are the first to offer this option for their members. Because of the leadership and example of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa in creating this option, other tribal nations across the country are considering similar actions.
Current Goals
In 2023, LifeSource has two primary goals: save more lives and advance a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion. The key strategies associated with the goal of saving more lives include: increasing organ donors, increasing organs transplanted, and increasing tissue donors. The key strategies related to EDI are: activate a comprehensive talent program, infuse EDI throughout LifeSource, and expand community engagement programs. Each of the identified strategies have key actions steps associated with them with clear lines of accountability.
Community or Constituency Served
LifeSource serves the populations of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and three counties in western Wisconsin.
Geographic Area Served
LifeSource serves the populations of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and three counties in western Wisconsin.
