Several individuals and institutions were honored Saturday, March 5, 2011 by Lifeline of Ohio for their roles in saving lives through organ and tissue donation. Fourteen awards were presented by the federally-designated organ procurement organization at the ninth-annual ceremony, “An Evening with the Stars,” in Columbus, Ohio. Each award was introduced by a local individual whose life has been touched by donation. Among the presenters were organ and tissue transplant recipients, a transplant candidate and a donor family member.
Winifred Payne, RN, MSN, of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, was honored by Lifeline of Ohio as Hospital Administrator of the Year. Payne was selected because of her dedication to organ and tissue donation. She was instrumental in filling the in-house coordinator position at Nationwide Children’s, spending an extensive amount of time mentoring the individual selected. Additionally, Payne was recognized for her insight into improving the donation process within the hospital, and for being an advocate for donation, despite challenges that may arise during the donation process.
Other award recipients include:
The Lifeline of Ohio Infinity Award, honoring a media outlet for a commitment to furthering understanding about organ and tissue donation and stimulating debate about the issues surrounding it through accurate, thorough and consistent reporting, was given to Tracy Townsend of WBNS 10-TV.
The Lifeline of Ohio Funeral Service Partner of the Year Award, established in 2003, was presented to Dawn Scott Little of Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home, as a funeral director, embalmer and member of the funeral services community who has demonstrated professional excellence in support of donation.
The Lifeline of Ohio Coroner of the Year Award, honoring the coroner who has demonstrated excellence and made a difference in support of organ and tissue donation, was presented to Stewart D. Ryckman M.D. ABMDI, Richland County Coroner.
The Lifeline of Ohio Community Partner Award, honoring an organization or business that has established a leadership role promoting organ and tissue donation in their community was awarded to The Ohio State University Medical Center - Communications and Marketing Department.
Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus – Hospital of the Year Award, presented to a hospital that demonstrates outstanding collaboration to support the mission of donation.
Dr. Bradley Harrold, Grant Medical Center, Columbus – Physician of the Year Award, honors a physician for commitment to organ and tissue donation.
Lauren Evans RN, Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus – Nurse of the Year Award, given to an outstanding hospital nurse.
Beth R. Hoffman RN, Marion General Hospital, Marion – Liaison of the Year Award, recognizes the dedication and innovation of a hospital liaison in promoting donation.
Roger Fuerst, St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima – Clinical Educator of the Year Award, given to an individual who has excelled in supporting or educating the hospital staff about organ and tissue donation.
Chaplain Patricia Krebs, Mount Carmel West, Columbus; Rev. Donna Morley, Grant Medical Center, Columbus; Mount Carmel East Surgery Department, Mount Carmel East, Columbus; St. Rita’s Medical Center Donor Council, St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima – STAR award winners for demonstrating exemplary Service, Teamwork, Attitude and Respect in the donation process.
About Lifeline of Ohio
Lifeline of Ohio (LOOP) is an independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote and coordinate the donation of human organs and tissue for transplantation. Lifeline of Ohio is approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as the designated organ procurement organization (OPO) serving 37 counties in Central and Southeastern Ohio, and Hancock and Wood counties in West Virginia. Lifeline of Ohio provides services to 72 hospitals through its transplant coordinators. LOOP’s clinical staff is on call 24 hours a day to coordinate the recovery and transport of tissue and organs for transplant.
Additionally, Lifeline of Ohio offers educational presentations for professional, civic, church and social organizations, as well as elementary through college level school programs. These programs are offered year-round as a community service and are customized to meet the objectives of the particular audience. Printed materials regarding donation, as well as donor registry information, are also available from Lifeline of Ohio by calling 800.525.5667 or visiting the Web site at www.lifelineofohio.org.