Giving life by being a donor: WVU Medicine honors those who gave
The “Donate Life” flag is raised on WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center’s campus during the Donate Life Month ceremony Monday morning. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
Carol Grove, WVU Medicine Camden Clark chief nursing officer, explains the meaning of Donate Life Month during a ceremony in front of the hospital’s campus Monday morning. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
Jennifer Smith, chief operating officer for Lifeline of Ohio, speaks about her brother John’s passing and how he brought her 17 years of work to full circle at Camden Clark Medical Center’s Donate Life month ceremony. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center President and CEO Steve Altmiller explains the meaning of the “Donate Life” flag being raised at the Donate Life Month ceremony in front of the hospital’s campus Monday morning. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
The “Donate Life” flag is raised on WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center’s campus during the Donate Life Month ceremony Monday morning. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
Carol Grove, WVU Medicine Camden Clark chief nursing officer, explains the meaning of Donate Life Month during a ceremony in front of the hospital’s campus Monday morning. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
Jennifer Smith, chief operating officer for Lifeline of Ohio, speaks about her brother John’s passing and how he brought her 17 years of work to full circle at Camden Clark Medical Center’s Donate Life month ceremony. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center President and CEO Steve Altmiller explains the meaning of the “Donate Life” flag being raised at the Donate Life Month ceremony in front of the hospital’s campus Monday morning. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)
Trending
PARKERSBURG – The sun shone brightly upon WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center's campus as officials honored those who give life through organ donation.
"I'm used to doing this in the rain. Having a sunny day like this is a rare opportunity," said Jennifer Smith, Chief Operating Officer for Lifeline of Ohio.
The ceremony recognizes April as Donate Life Month, which raises awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation, encourages registration of donation related decisions, and honors those who have donated.
"For the past 21 years, it's been a time of education and advocacy as we encourage those in our community to say `yes' to donation," said Carol Grove, Camden Clark chief nursing officer.
Grove said the theme for Donate Life Month is "Donors Are Superstars" and it was chosen for a specific reason.
"Stars remind us that even in the darkest night, there is light. We recognize this light by honoring the legacy of organ, eye, and tissue donors and supporting their loved ones," she said.
Smith said she has worked for Lifeline of Ohio for 17 years and her work came full circle last year.
"My brother John passed away in July. He donated his corneas to restore sight to two people," she said. "We are proud of him. He became a hero."
Smith said within Lifeline of Ohio's service area of 38 counties of Ohio and two in West Virginia, 182 people became organ donors in 2023, 445 lives were saved by those organ donations, 553 people donated tissue and 451 donated corneas to restore sight to almost 1,000 people.
Two individuals raised a flag with the "Donate Life" logo as Camden Clark President and CEO Steve Altmiller was talking. He said the flag is a reminder for donor families that life can go on even after their loved one passes.
"People will see the flag and think about those families, individuals, and their contributions," he said.
Kristen Hainkel can be reached at khainkel@newsandsentinel.com