There are more than 3,400 Ohioans waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, and every 48 hours an Ohioan dies waiting. Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS) was recognized by Donate Life Ohio, the Ohio Hospital Association (OHA) and the Ohio Department of Health’s Second Chance Trust Fund for taking action to reduce that number during 2014. The hospital was named a Gold Partner in the Midsize Hospital category of the 2013-2014 Hospital Champions program, which aimed to increase or-gan, eye and tissue donor registration. LMHS was one of 46 Ohio hospitals recognized during the 2014 OHA Annual Meeting.
“Currently, more than 122,000 people nationwide – more than 3,400 of them from Ohio – await a life-saving organ transplant,” said Lance Himes, Interim Director, Ohio Department of Health. “By register-ing new donors and sharing this lifesaving message through the Hospital Champions program, LMHS is saving lives and helping to reduce the time critically ill patients must wait for a second chance at life.”
As part of the program, LMHS hosted events focused on providing information to the community about organ, eye and tissue donation. Licking Memorial Hospital Vice Chief of Anesthesiology Ann V. Govier, M.D., was a guest speaker at several events providing education to community leaders. She spoke about the importance of education and dispelling the myths and misconceptions that are asso-ciated with organ donation. Because of her experience as the Director of Anesthesia for cardiac trans-plantation at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation from 1984-1993, Dr. Govier was a valuable resource to the 2013-2014 Hospital Champions campaign.
“A single donor can potentially save the lives of eight people through organ donation, and enhance the lives of up to 50 more by tissue donation,” Dr. Govier said. “The sponsored events and activities were part of the campaign to spread the life-changing and lifesaving message of donation throughout our community. Participants were able to ask questions, learn the facts and discuss the step-by-step pro-cess of organ, eye and tissue transplantation. This allows the individual to be better informed when making the donation decision for themselves and their loved ones.”