Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Earns National Recognition for Promoting Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center (LWRMC) has earned platinum level recognition for its work and dedication in support of organ, eye and tissue donation and public health, even while serving 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 2019 and April 2020, LWRMC participated in HRSA’s WPFL Hospital Organ Donation Campaign. The program challenged hospitals and healthcare organizations to partner with their local organ procurement organization 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.
LWRMC was one of 1,700 organizations to participate in the 2020 campaign that helped to add 59,662 new donors to state registries across the country. The campaign has generated 552,026 registrations since its inception in 2011 and unites donation advocates at hospitals with representatives from their local organ procurement organizations, such as LifeLink of Florida, Donate Life America affiliates and state and regional hospital associations.
Andy Guz, CEO of LWRMC, stated, “Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is honored to earn platinum level recognition from HRSA in coordination with LifeLink and Donate Life Florida for the second year in a row. It is due to the commitment from the staff and hospital to raise awareness and registration for the local organ and tissue recovery program.”
LWRMC worked with LifeLink of Florida, the local organ and tissue recovery program, as well as Donate Life Florida, the state organ and tissue donor registry, to leverage its outreach efforts. During the 2019-2020 campaign cycle, LWRMC was one of 41 hospital partner participants within the LifeLink service area, resulting in a total of 151 donor registrations for the campaign year.
Become an Organ Donor
An individual can make their decision to become a registered organ and tissue donor when obtaining a driver license or by going to www.DonateLifeFlorida.org.