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West Virginia University Medicine Reynolds Memorial Hospital is joining the Center for Organ Recovery and Education to raise awareness about organ, tissue and cornea donation and to inspire everyone during April to be a hero by registering as an organ donor.
"Our close collaboration with CORE sets the gift of life in motion," Dr. David Hess, hospital CEO, said. "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."
Susan Stuart, president and CEO of CORE, said, "Donate Life Month provides an opportunity to remind ourselves of what heroes look like. They are the sons and daughters, fathers and mothers who--through organ, tissue and cornea donation--gave life and offered healing to others. They are the 115,000 people who are waiting for a life-saving transplant; yearning for more time with their loved ones. 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."
Nationally, 115,000 people are waiting for an organ transplant, including 2,500 in western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. At least 20 will die each day without receiving the transplant they need. Someone is added to the transplant waiting list every 10 minutes.
Approximately 11,000 people die annually who are considered medically suitable to donate organs, tissue and corneas, yet only a fraction donate. Anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race or medical history. To sign up, visit online at core.org/register.