COFFEE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER has earned platinum-level recognition for their work and dedication in support of organ, eye, and tissue donation while continuing to serve on the frontlines in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The Workplace Partnership for Life (WPFL) program is a national initiative that unites the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the organ donation community with workplaces across the nation in spreading the importance of donation and increasing organ, eye and tissue donor registrations.
Between October 2020 and April 2021, CRMC participated in HRSA’s WPFL Hospital Organ Donation Campaign. The program challenged hospitals and healthcare organizations to partner with their local organ procurement organization, LifeLink of Georgia, to “let life bloom” by educating hospital staff, patients, visitors, and surrounding communities about the critical need for organ, eye, and tissue donation and by offering the opportunity to register as a donor.
CRMC was one of 1,647 organizations to participate in the 2021 campaign that helped to add 27,386 new donors to state registries across the country. The campaign has generated 575,000 registrations since its inception in 2011 and unites donation advocates at hospitals with representatives from their local organ procurement organizations.
Vicki Lewis, President and CEO of Coffee Regional stated, “Organ donation is truly the gift of life. We have seen the heartbreaking loss of one family offer hope to multiple families, due to the compassionate act of organ donation. Here at Coffee Regional, we understand the importance of organ donation and are committed to donor awareness and registration within our organization and our community. We are proud to be recognized for our ongoing efforts and encourage our community members to consider becoming organ donors.”
Coffee Regional worked with LifeLink of Georgia, the state’s organ and tissue recovery program, as well as Donate Life Georgia, the state organ and tissue donor registry, to leverage its outreach efforts. During the 2020-2021 campaign cycle, CRMC was one of 92 hospital partners within the LifeLink service area.
For more information about the Hospital Campaign, visit www.organdonor.gov/hospitals. An individual can make their decision to become a registered organ and tissue donor when obtaining a driver’s license through the Georgia Department of Driver Services, online when purchasing a hunting or fishing license through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, or by going to www.DonateLifeGeorgia.org.