Our Timeline
An Origin in Military Service
The United States Navy established the world’s first tissue bank in 1947. Outside of the military, however, storage of human tissue was not common, tissues for transplantation were scarce, and the lack of professional standards and government control meant that the effectiveness of allografts were uncertain. It soon became evident to Dr. Theodore I. Malinin, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Medical Center, that there was a need for a civilian tissue bank.
Our Foundation
To address the scarcity of tissues outside of the military and make tissue donation and transplantation possible in the private sector, Dr. Malinin founded the University of Miami Tissue Bank in Miami, as the U.S. Navy Tissue Bank curtailed its service to civilian patients.
Decades of Commitment
The University of Miami Tissue Bank acquired new facilities for the recovery of tissues, allowing more donations to be accepted while also increasing service to the community.
In an effort to improve quality of life and make transplants readily available to patients, the University of Miami Tissue Bank, now Legacy Donor Services Foundation, has continued to serve the community, while also assisting in the organization of additional tissue banks throughout the United States and abroad.
Continued Growth andImpact
In 2011, the tissue bank relocated to a state-of-the-art facility that accommodates a diverse group of biotechnology and life science organizations. In its new location, the tissue program connected to many world experts across medical disciplines, and the outcomes of these shared medical quarters will become lifesaving innovation.
Building on Our Foundation
In 2014, in order to expand services to donors and donor families, the University of Miami Tissue Bank became UMTB Donor Services Foundation, prior to becoming Legacy Donor Services Foundation. This transition allowed the tissue program the opportunity to further serve the community as stewards of donation.
Donor Services Foundation Established
Our name changed from UMTB Donor Services Foundation to Legacy Donor Services Foundation to better reflect who we are as an organization on September 1, 2019. Our commitment to donors, donor families and donor partners remains unparalleled.
Your Gift. Their Life.
Legacy Donor Services Foundation connects individuals through the acceptance of a loving gift that can be cherished by those in need. We are committed to the community we serve.
Our Services Impact
Quick Facts
1
Years of Service
1
Lives Improved through Donation
Certificates and Licenses
American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB)
The American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) is the organization that sets standards, inspects facilities and accredits tissue banks in North America. AATB trains and certifies tissue banking specialists. In crafting new federal regulations for tissue banking, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has relied heavily on the expertise of the AATB.
Our Locations
Offices
- Miami
- Jacksonville
Recovery Surgical Suites
at Medical Examiners Office
at Medical Examiners Office
- Miami-Dade
- Broward
- Palm Beach
- Collier
Our Services
Legacy Donor Services Foundation is an American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) accredited recovery service responsible for the recovery and care of tissue donations as well as providing educational resources for would-be donors and their families.
1. Donor Services
2. Donor Families & Bereavement
3. Hospital Development
4. Medical Examiner Relations
5. Community Education
6. Recovery
7. Donor Partners
8. Birth Tissue
