Lifeline of Ohio’s Placenta Donation Program
The birth of a baby offers the opportunity to help others through the Lifeline of Ohio Placenta Donation Program.
Potential donors include all expectant mothers who are:
- delivering by planned cesarean section and
- delivering at a participating hospital.
If you are interested in donating your placenta, or have questions regarding donation, please click the button below to fill out our interest form. The link will take you to a secure, third-party HIPAA compliant site to enter your information.
After submitting this form, a Lifeline of Ohio staff member will follow up with you. You can also contact us by emailing placentadonation@lifelineofohio.org.
What can be donated?
The placenta, umbilical cord and amniotic membranes. There are multiple components in placental tissue that have the potential to help patients heal, including the placenta, amniotic membranes and the umbilical cord. The amniotic membranes have been used for decades to promote healing. Currently, amniotic membranes are used for a wide range of procedures involving eye, oral and spine surgery and for the treatment of difficult-to-heal wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers and burns.
Who Can Be Helped?
Your gift may benefit patients who have a variety of medical needs. Amniotic membrane grafts are used primarily for wound care and surgical applications to promote natural healing and reduce pain, inflammation and scarring.
Participating Hospitals
Currently, Lifeline of Ohio is working with the following partners as of February 2024.
- Adena Regional Medical Center
- Avita Health System-Galion Hospital
- Avita Health System-Ontario Hospital
- Fairfield Medical Center
- Genesis HealthCare System
- Holzer Medical Center- Gallipolis
- Knox Community Hospital
- Licking Memorial Hospital
- Lima Memorial Hospital
- Marietta Memorial Hospital
- Memorial Hospital
- Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center
- Mount Carmel – East, St. Ann’s, Grove City
- OhioHealth Berger Hospital
- OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital
- OhioHealth Grant Medical Center
- OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital
- OhioHealth Pickerington Methodist Hospital
- OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital
- Southern Ohio Medical Center
- Southeastern Med
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
- WVU Camden Clark Medical Center
Participate in our Placenta Donation Program
Step One: Share your interest with Lifeline of Ohio
It’s simple. There are many ways to say YES to placenta donation:
- Fill out our secure interest form, or call 877-B-A-DONOR
- We also encourage you to tell your physician you are interested in donating your placenta. Someone at your OBGYN office may be able to help you sign up.
Step Two: Speak with a Lifeline of Ohio Donation Support Services Coordinator
A Lifeline of Ohio Donation Support Services Coordinator will call you on a recorded telephone line to answer any questions you have and ask for your consent for placenta donation.
In the weeks leading up to your delivery, a series of questions regarding your medical and social history will also be reviewed with you over the telephone. This questionnaire should take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.
Step Three: Lifeline of Ohio coordinates the donation of the placenta
On the day of your delivery, the hospital nurse will collect a few tubes of blood for infectious disease screening. A Lifeline of Ohio Placenta Acquisition Coordinator will come to the hospital to acquire your placenta for donation. They’ll also bring you and your baby a small gift to say “thank you!”
Step Four: The placenta is transformed into healing grafts to help others
Once donated, the placenta will be respectfully tested, treated and processed under strict guidelines in accordance with medical and ethical standards so it can safely and effectively help others. Nothing additional is required from you!
Stories of healing
Placenta donation in the news
Frequently asked questions
Who do I contact to learn more information about this program?
For questions about our program, please contact our Placenta Program Coordinator at placentadonation@lifelineofohio.org
Is placenta donation related to cord blood donation or research?
No. Placenta donation is not related to cord blood donation.
Can any expectant mother donate?
Any expectant mother, of any age, with a planned C-section delivering at a participating hospital can be a potential donor.
Is there a cost associated with donating my placenta?
No. You will not be responsible for any costs related to placenta donation.
Will my decision to donate affect the medical care of my baby or me?
There is no risk to you or your baby. The placenta will be acquired after your baby is delivered. Your provider has not been asked to change or adapt his/her procedure for the purposes of participating in this program. Also, donation will not proceed if, at the time of your delivery, your provider determines the placenta needs further pathological testing.
Will I be monetarily compensated for my donation?
No. The National Organ Transplant Act (Public Law 98-507) prohibits the sale of human organs, corneas and tissues.