MORGANTOWN — April is National Donate Life Month, a time to applaud the generosity of those who have saved lives by becoming organ, eye, tissue, marrow and blood donors. It is a time to thank the families who have decided to donate. It is also an opportunity to encourage more to follow their example and educate themselves about the importance of donation.
The hospitals of Mon Health recognize the meaning of donation and the life-saving difference with awareness events throughout the month. At noon April 23, there will be a flag-raising event at each of the Mon Health hospitals — Mon Health Medical Center, Mon Health Preston Memorial Hospital, and Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital.
The flags are provided by CORE — the Center for Organ Replacement & Education. CORE coordinates the recovery and matching of organs, tissues, and corneas for transplant in this 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.”
In West Virginia, more than 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. One individual can improve the lives of as many as 75 people through tissue donation.
In 2020, more than 39,000 life-saving or life-enhancing organ transplants were performed in the United States from living and deceased donors. More than 110,000 people across the nation were still waiting for a life-saving transplant.
Some may have questions about donating. For example, organ donation is only possible after all lifesaving measures have been taken. Most major religions support organ, tissue, and cornea donation, viewing it as the greatest gift and a final act of charity. 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.
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