Organ Donation Encouraged during April, National Donate Life Month
This April, during National Donate Life Month, Atrium Health Navicent celebrates the lives of those who have received a second chance at life, as well as the contributions of those who make transplants possible - organ, tissue and eye donors. The health system also recognizes the approximately 5,200 Georgians who are awaiting needed transplants.
"At Atrium Health Navicent, we encourage the members of our community to commit to becoming an organ donor. One organ and tissue donor may save or enhance up to 75 lives. Passing along the gift of life to someone in need is a beautiful act," said Dr. Patrice Walker, Chief Medical Officer for The Medical Center, Navicent Health (MCNH).
Atrium Health Navicent conducts annual awareness and registration campaigns in order to educate staff, patients, visitors and the community about the critical need for organ, eye and tissue donors. By doing so, Atrium Health Navicent assists in increasing the number of potential donors on Georgia's Organ and Tissue Donor Registry.
"Each year we work together with community partners to inform Georgians about the importance of organ and tissue donation. During Donate Life Month and every month, we share vital information about organ and tissue donation throughout the state and encourage every Georgian to learn the facts and commit to saving lives," said Dustin Diggs, FACHE, Executive Director, LifeLink of Georgia.
Donation Fast Facts:
Organ donors are not limited by medical history, age, sex, race or ethnicity.
All major religions support donation as a lifesaving act of generosity and compassion.
Saving lives as an organ and tissue donor places no financial burden on the donor's estate or family.
Currently, more than 111,000 adults and children awaiting lifesaving transplants.
Approximately 22 people die daily because they do not receive an organ in time.
One organ donor has the potential to save or enhance up to 75 lives.
Becoming a donor is simple. To register your decision to be an organ, tissue and eye donor, take one of the following steps:
Visit Donate Life Georgia's Organ and Tissue Donor Registry at www.donatelifegeorgia.org.
Call 1-866-57-SHARE (74273).
Say YES to donation when you apply for or renew your driver license or state identification card through Georgia's Department of Driver Services.
This April, Atrium Health Navicent will implement a new program to recognize those who ultimately give the gift of life. The organ donor's loved ones will be recognized with an Honor Walk as they exit the hospital, a silent salute when Atrium Health Navicent teammates will line the halls in recognition and gratitude for the gift of life. In addition, Atrium Health Navicent will fly a Donate Life flag in recognition of the donor's gift of life.
About Atrium Health Navicent
Atrium Health Navicent, the leading provider of healthcare in central and south Georgia, is committed to its mission of elevating health and wellbeing through compassionate care. Providing more than 1,000 beds and offering care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region, Atrium Health Navicent provides care for healthcare consumers' through an academic medical center; community, pediatric and rehabilitation hospitals; urgent care centers; physician practices; diagnostic centers; home health; hospice and palliative care; and a life plan community. Atrium Health Navicent is dedicated enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally-recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. For more information, please visit www.navicenthealth.org.