Pittsburgh Review

Allegheny Health Network (AHN) is using National Donate Life Month in April to raise awareness of organ, tissue, and cornea donations. The network plans several events, starting with a flag raising ceremony at Allegheny General Hospital (AGH) on April 1st. Additional ceremonies will occur at nine other hospitals, including Allegheny Valley, Canonsburg, Forbes, Grove City, Jefferson, West Penn, Wexford, McCandless Neighborhood Hospital, and Saint Vincent Hospital in Erie.

Jennifer Carpenter, MD, surgical director of the living donor kidney transplant program at AHN, noted, “Every day we celebrate the heroism of organ donation, but Donate Life Month provides a special opportunity to honor organ donors and celebrate transplant recipients, reflecting on the profound impact of giving and receiving the gift of life.”

The Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) reports that more than 100,000 people across the nation need lifesaving transplants. AHN is committed to providing this care, having saved or improved lives thanks to 433 donors last year.

Susan Stuart, CORE President & CEO, said, "During National Donate Life Month, we celebrate the power of donation to save and heal lives and the generosity of donors and their families that make this possible.”

For engagement, AHN hospitals will involve employees in activities, including a 'National Donate Life Blue and Green Day' on April 11th. Facilities will be lit in blue and green to show support for donations. This month's theme, "Let Life Sing," emphasizes new beginnings and hope, symbolized by birds.

Public ceremonies are inviting media and the public. Dates include April 1st and extend throughout the month across several hospital venues.

CORE, serving over five million in western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Chemung County, New York, coordinates organ recovery and matches donors to recipients. CORE's mission highlights saving lives through donations and maintaining a respectful process for all involved.