LANCASTER – Antelope Valley Hospital (AVH) on Wednesday joined more than 50 southern California hospitals and transplant centers in promoting “National Donate Life Month” by flying or displaying “Donate Life” flags in honor of organ, eye and tissue donors.
Hospitals across the nation take part in this month’s “Flags Across America” campaign as a way to bolster organ and tissue donor registries.
AVH’s Donate Life flag, which was raised at the main entrance of the hospital Wednesday morning, will continue to fly for the remainder of the month.
Through its participation in Flags Across America, AVH hopes to motivate local residents to consider the benefits of organ donation. In addition to raising public awareness about donation, the hospital also is honoring all of its past organ, eye and tissue donors who have saved or enhanced countless lives with their generous gifts.
“Organ and tissue donation can save and improve lives right here in our community, throughout the state of California and across the nation. In fact, one of our own employees, Respiratory Therapist Jessica Horton, is a corneal transplant recipient,” stated Dennis Knox, AVH chief executive officer. “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. Antelope Valley Hospital is proud to show our support by displaying this symbolic flag.”
More than 21,000 California residents are waiting to receive life-saving hearts, livers, lungs, kidneys and other organs. There are not enough donors to meet the growing need in the state, let alone the country. In fact, 18 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 make the commitment to donate may register online at www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org or its Spanish-language counterpart, www.doneVIDAcalifornia.org.
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