The big picture: Intermountain Health’s Transplant Program performed 515 organ transplants in 2025—the most ever completed by a Utah transplant program in a single year.
Why it matters: Every transplant represents a life saved in time. For families like Erin Groutage’s, it means getting more basketball games, more bedtime stories, more tomorrows.
By the numbers:
- 515 transplants performed in 2025
- Previous Utah record: 489 (2024)
- 6 consecutive years of record-breaking transplant volumes
The human story: Erin, a mom of four, received her new heart on Valentine’s Day 2025. When she was placed on the transplant list, her heart was pumping at just 11% capacity.
“I’ll go to my kid’s basketball game and I’ll be crying, and they’re like, what’s wrong with you? And I’m like, no, it’s good! It’s just such a gift.” — Erin Groutage, heart transplant recipient
What they’re saying: Dr. Jean Botha, who leads the Intermountain Transplant Program, says this milestone isn’t about chasing numbers.
“People shouldn’t be dying waiting for organs. When we achieve that, that’s the goal achieved.” — Dr. Jean Botha, Medical Director, Intermountain Health Transplant Program
What’s next: The program continues to focus on reducing waitlist times and ensuring no one dies waiting for a life-saving transplant.
How to help: Register as an organ donor at intermountainhealthcare.org/donatelife
Join the celebration: Transplant recipients, donors, and medical staff will gather Tuesday, January 27 at 10:30 a.m. at Intermountain Medical Center to commemorate this historic milestone. Media are invited to attend.