AHP Publishes Behavioral Insights to Improve Organ Donation Rates

AHP’s Innovation team is dedicated to advancing research that transforms health and human services through creative, evidence-based solutions. In the July 2025 issue of the Journal of Transplantation, the team explored behavioral barriers and motivators to organ donor registration, uncovering insights that could help close critical gaps in donation rates.

Study Summary:

In a national survey of more than 11,000 U.S. adults, AHP researchers uncovered a critical insight: Young, healthy individuals are among the least likely to register as organ donors. Many cited distrust in the process or a lack of urgency—barriers that can be addressed through targeted health messaging. Interestingly, young adults in poorer health were more likely to register, suggesting that “mortality salience” (an awareness of one’s own mortality) plays a significant role in donation decisions.

These findings are helping shape more effective, trust-building outreach campaigns and will be presented at the upcoming National Conference on Health Communication, Marketing and Media. The study exemplifies how behavioral science can inform public health strategies that resonate with different population segments.

Read the full study.

Citation:

Kirshenbaum, A. P., Parent, B., Goodgame Huffman, L., Kelsey, V., & Sofis, M. J. (2025). Latent profiles of deceased organ donation registrants and nonregistrants in the United States. Journal of Transplantation, 2025(1), Article 4446435. https://doi.org/10.1155/joot/4446435