AVH commemorates National Donate Life Month

AVH received a $10,000 grant from OneLegacy to build a donor memorial.

“This achievement is a testimony to the entire Antelope Valley Hospital team as well as the compassion of families dealing with the loss of a loved one,” said John Rossfeld, chief executive officer at AVH. “The generosity of organ and tissue donors and their families allows others a chance to live a healthier, longer life.”

The announcement was made at a flag-raising ceremony at AVH to commemorate National Donate Life Month. Along with organizations across the country, AVH raised a Donate Life flag to bring awareness to the importance of organ donations. The flag is at the main entrance of the hospital and will continue to fly for the remainder of the month to motivate local residents to consider the benefits of organ donation.

“Organ and tissue donation is an incredible gift,” said Denise Scott, education specialist, critical care services at AVH. “Joining the donor registry gives hope to those in need of organ and tissue transplants, while leaving a legacy of generosity for the donor and his or her family.”

Nearly 22,000 California residents are waiting to receive lifesaving hearts, livers, lungs, kidneys and other organs. Eighteen people die every day in the U.S. waiting for an organ transplant; and the national waiting list currently holds more than 123,000 people.

Those wishing to donate may register online at www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org or at www.doneVIDAcalifornia.org.

Local residents are invited to learn more about organ donation and to register in-person at Antelope Valley Hospital’s Blue and Green Day event on April 15. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the hospital’s Café on J, and refreshments will be available. Attendees are invited to wear blue and green to help raise awareness about organ and tissue donation.

[Information via news release from Antelope Valley Hospital.]

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