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Ohio Valley Medical Center has joined the Center for Organ Recovery and Education to raise awareness about organ, tissue and cornea donation during Donate Life Month.
Members of CORE, Donate Life and staff from OVMC held a flag-raising ceremony at the hospital earlier this month to honor those who gave the gift of life and to encourage people to register to become organ donors.
"Some may say it is simply a flag-raising but what significance does it have?" asked Dan Dunmyer, CEO of OVMC. "I am here to tell you that a simple flag will be the impetus for conversation, for enlightenment, for decisions. Visibility of the flag will help begin conversations between families, between loved ones."
Scot Malson, OMC's chief nursing officer, said that the hospital's close ties with CORE helps set the donor process in motion.
"That process starts with creating a culture of donation within our hospital and includes being donation champions -- raising awareness about the vital importance of registering as organ, tissue and cornea donors," he said.
Meanwhile, CORE's CEO said Donate Life Month is not only about those who give the gift of their organs, but also those professionals who ensure that gift won't go to waste.
"We also recognize the health care professionals, our hospital heroes, who, through their hard work, ingenuity and compassion, provide the precious gift of life to so many in our area," said Susan Stuart.
Wheeling resident Jody Miller was on hand to tell the story of her late daughter, Heather, who was an organ donor 10 years ago.
"Of course, I'd rather have one more day, one more second with my daughter, my very best friend, but through her we are blessed with another family," said Miller. "The first responders, the nurses, doctors, law enforcement, the CORE staff and the CORE volunteers and the organ donor recipients who keep Heather alive. And now I volunteer with CORE and I have the opportunity to tell Heather's story every day."
About 11,000 people who are considered medically suitable to donate organs, tissue and corneas die annually, but not everyone does. To sign up as a donor, visit core.org/register.