The hospitals of Mon Health recognize the meaning of organ donation and the life-saving difference it makes with awareness events throughout the month.
On Tuesday, Mon Health Hospitals held flag-raisings, including at Mon Health Medical Center, Mon Health Preston Memorial Hospital, Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital, and Grafton City Hospital, an affiliate of Mon Health. The flags were provided by CORE — the Center for Organ Replacement and Education. CORE coordinates the recovery and matching of organs, tissues, and corneas for transplant in the region.
With education, CORE and Mon Health encourage the public to learn more about organ donation and the gift of life it provides.
“Every 10 minutes, someone is added to the organ transplant waiting list. Many people support donation as an opportunity to give life and health to others but fail to take the important step of registering as a donor,” said Krystal Atkinson, chief nursing executive at Mon Health. “By becoming a donor, you can save several lives and improve the lives of many more.”
Through West Virginia and western Pennsylvania, more than 2,500 people are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. Thousands more need a tissue or cornea transplant. At the same time, only about 35 percent of West Virginians are signed up to be donors. One person can save the lives of as many as eight people and one individual can improve the lives of as many as 75 people through tissue donation.
In 2021, more than 40,000 lifesaving or life-enhancing organ transplants were performed in the United States from both living and deceased donors. Unfortunately, over 100,000 people across the nation were still waiting for a life-saving transplant.
Any person of any age or with a medical condition can be considered an organ, cornea, and tissue donor. At the time of death, medical professionals will determine whether a person can donate. Donor families do not pay for the costs of donation.
By collaborating with CORE, Mon Health System Hospitals provide hope for recipients and make a difference every day in patients’ lives. To find out more about donating life or to register as an organ donor, visit www.core.org or call 1-800-DONORS-7.
