PARIS, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV)— Horizon Health will be hosting an event in recognition of National Donate Life Month to honor the importance of organ donation.
The event invites the public to attend a tribute to the lives of those who have donated or received organs, tissue, or blood, as well as those on the transplant list. According to the news release, one organ donor can save up to eight lives and improve up to 75 more through tissue donations.
“Donors deserve the highest praise possible for their selfless acts of extreme generosity,” said Rachel Kelley, Horizon Health vice president of nursing & chief nursing officer. “They truly prioritize others without expecting any reward or recognition in return. We want to recognize them year-round, not just during this special observation month.”
At the event, the hospital will be raising the Gift of Hope flag and unveiling its new “Code Hero” initiative. This initiative will recognize local patients and families who have signed up to be organ and tissue donors. Members of Gift of Hope, the nonprofit organ and tissue donor network, and local donors/recipients will share their stories. Gift of Hope will also be on site to register those who want to sign up.
Gift of Hope is an organ procurement organization that coordinates organ and tissue donation and services to families of donors in the northern three-quarters of Illinois and northwest Indiana. Gift of Hope works in cooperation with more than 180 hospitals, eye banks, transplant centers, and thousands of forensic and professional partners to coordinate organ, eye, and tissue donations.
The event will take place at 10 a.m. CDT on April 30 at the Horizon Health Main Campus located at 721 East Court Street. Those who wish to participate in the event can meet at the parking lot of the Paris Clinic West near the flagpole. Also, participants may join Horizon Health’s staff in forming a human tunnel to the flagpole, but show up at least 15 minutes early.
