#United States #New York #LiveOnNY #Leonard Achan #Responsible 100

Leonard Achan Recognized as a Leader in Social Responsibility

Leonard Achan, President and CEO of LiveOnNY, has achieved significant recognition in the healthcare community by being named to City & State New York's 2024 Responsible 100 list. This prestigious honor highlights individuals who demonstrate exceptional social responsibility and lead transformative initiatives within their communities. Achan's inclusion in this elite group is a testament to his dedication and commitment to increasing organ donation and improving public health across New York City and beyond.

Transformative Leadership

Leonard Achan was hired by the Board of LiveOnNY in late 2021 and quickly began to implement a strategic plan aimed at revitalizing New York's organ donation and procurement system, which had been struggling in terms of performance. Under his leadership, LiveOnNY transformed from being one of the lowest-performing organizations in the nation to becoming a shining example of success in just one year. This dramatic turnaround included a staggering 70% increase in lifesaving organ donor gifts.

The organization has not only become the leading organ procurement organization (OPO) for Black organ donors but also excels in placing high-KDPI kidneys—organs that are often difficult to match with recipients. This advancement provides a second chance at life to those on the transplant waitlist, emphasizing Achan's commitment to equitable healthcare access for all New Yorkers.

Commitment to Social Responsibility

In his statement, Achan expressed gratitude for the recognition, attributing it to the incredible generosity of organ donors and their families, as well as the dedicated staff at LiveOnNY. He stated, "This recognition reflects the incredible generosity of organ donors and their families, as well as the unwavering dedication of our staff at LiveOnNY. This recognition is a testament to what is possible when we New Yorkers come together to focus on a shared mission to save lives through organ donation."

As his strategic plan concludes in 2024, Achan and the Board of Directors are preparing to launch a new three-year initiative designed to continue addressing healthcare disparities. Their goal is to ensure sustained engagement with New York’s diverse communities, building on the progress made thus far.

Community Recognition and Future Plans

LiveOnNY's impactful work has been acknowledged through numerous proclamations, declaring 'LiveOnNY Days' in various neighborhoods including Manhattan, the Bronx, and Brooklyn. This recognition underscores the importance of community involvement and the organization's mission to foster awareness around organ donation.

The City & State Responsible 100 accolade honors individuals across numerous sectors who tackle pressing challenges in New York through remarkable commitment and leadership. The 2024 honorees are recognized as influential figures making strides toward improving the lives of residents and setting high standards in social responsibility.

About LiveOnNY

Established in 1978, LiveOnNY is a nonprofit organ procurement organization dedicated to saving lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation. Serving a culturally and ethnically diverse population of approximately 13 million people in the metropolitan area, LiveOnNY collaborates with hospitals and transplant centers to facilitate donations and educate the public about the critical importance of organ donation.

The organization is committed to raising awareness and ensuring that all individuals can become registered organ donors through the National or New York State Donate Life Registry. Working alongside other organizations, LiveOnNY is a member of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), which oversees the organ transplant waiting list in the United States.

Achan's leadership continues to inspire hope and change, empowering numerous lives through the gift of organ donation. His unwavering vision is setting new standards for efficiency in the organ procurement process and, more importantly, in improving the overall healthcare landscape for all New Yorkers.