LOPA and Organ Donation: What Patients Should Know

Many people are unfamiliar with how organ donation works or who is involved. Even hearing the words “organ donation” can bring up uncertainty.

In Louisiana, the organization that oversees this process is the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency, or LOPA. Our goal is to help you better understand the process and what role LOPA plays in supporting patients and families at North Oaks Health.

What is the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA)?

LOPA is a nonprofit organization that serves the entire state of Louisiana. LOPA is the federally designated organ procurement organization (OPO) for the state—the only agency authorized to recover organs and tissues for transplant in Louisiana.

LOPA works closely with hospitals, doctors, nurses, coroners, and eye banks, including North Oaks Health. When a patient passes away or is near the end of life, LOPA helps determine whether organ or tissue donation is possible. The agency also provides support to families throughout the process.

LOPA’s mission: “Making Life Happen”

LOPA’s core purpose is “Making Life Happen” with a mission to save and heal lives through organ and tissue donation. One organ donor can potentially save up to eight lives, and tissue donation can help as many as 75 people heal from injuries or medical conditions.

LOPA is also committed to education and outreach. The agency helps healthcare professionals and the public better understand organ donation while also offering grief support, counseling, and memorial events for donor families, including a butterfly release remembrance at North Oaks Medical Center each year.

Why are organ donations important?

The value of organ donation is best understood through the lives it changes. Kiara Zachary, a registered nurse at North Oaks, received a kidney transplant in August 2025. Before her transplant, she lived with daily limitations and uncertainty that affected her health and quality of life. Because of organ donation, she was given a second chance.

Today, Kiara has returned to caring for others and living with renewed strength and gratitude. She describes organ donors as heroes and reminds others that donation is “more than a medical procedure—it is a legacy of hope, love, and life.”

“Today, my life is fuller, healthier, and filled with a deeper appreciation for every single day,” she shares. “I am not only a nurse caring for others. I am also a living testament to the power of organ donation.”

Kiara’s experience shows how a single decision can restore health, allow people to return to work and family life, and help them continue serving their communities.

How does organ donation work?

Donation is only considered after all efforts to save a patient’s life have been exhausted and death has been legally declared. At that point, LOPA is notified by the hospital. If the person is registered as a donor, LOPA works with the medical team and the donor’s family to honor that decision.

There is no cost to the donor’s family for organ or tissue donation. Donation does not disfigure the body or prevent open‑casket funeral services. Throughout the entire process, LOPA ensures the donor is treated with respect and dignity.

How to become an organ donor in Louisiana

Becoming an organ donor is simple. Louisiana residents can register:

• When applying for or renewing a driver’s license or state ID
• Online through the Louisiana Donor Registry
• Using the LA Wallet mobile app

It is also important to tell family members about your decision, so your wishes are clear.

Your next step in learning about organ donation

Understanding organ donation is an important step for patients and families navigating complex medical decisions. Whether you are seeking answers, looking for support, or considering registering as an organ donor, LOPA can help you learn more about the process and the agency’s work throughout the state.

Want more information about organ donation or to register as an organ donor? Visit here for details.