Team members at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, part of at Episcopal Health Services (EHS), were honored by LiveOnNY for their collective efforts in supporting organ donation, transplantation, and advocacy during a Healthcare Hero Appreciation event held March 4 at the EHS Clinical Learning Center.
The event began with remarks from Donald T. Morrish, MD, MMM, Chief Executive Officer of EHS, who emphasized the importance of organ donation and expressed gratitude for LiveOnNY’s partnership.
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“Organ donation is not just a medical procedure; it is one of the most profound expressions of generosity and compassion. Each act of donation not only saves lives but also offers solace to families, ensuring that their loved one’s legacy endures through the lives of others,” Dr. Morrish said. “LiveOnNY’s unwavering partnership and dedication to this life-saving mission have been instrumental in our efforts to enhance awareness, facilitate donations, and ultimately save lives within our communities.”
Leonard Achan, President and Chief Executive Officer of LiveOnNY, commended the St. John’s Episcopal Hospital team for their efforts, which have led to a 500% increase in organ donation over the past three years.
“You are part of a big story – one that’s resulted in 4,000 people over the past three years living who may not have – thanks to the gift of donation and transplantation,” Achan said.
The event also featured personal stories from Christine Shaver, a heart transplant recipient, and Wajana Pagan, a donor family member, both of whom shared the profound impact of organ donation.
St. John’s Episcopal Hospital was presented with LiveOnNY’s Donor Advocate Award in recognition of its commitment to organ donation. Several team members were also honored for their contributions to increasing awareness and donor registrations, including registered nurses Cheray Small Adelaja and Emil Domingo; the Perioperative Department; Tessy Peter, MD, Chairperson, Family Medicine Department; Bevin Mathew, Director of Quality Management at EHS; and Karen Paige, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at EHS.
Ms. Paige expressed her gratitude to both the LiveOnNY and St. John’s Episcopal Hospital teams for their dedication to the mission.
“When we honor the wishes of a patient and their family, we bring dignity to their decision and hope to those in need,” Ms. Paige said. “It is both our responsibility and privilege to carry out those wishes with the highest level of care and respect. I’m incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished and will continue to do together.”
