The Alabama Organ Center honored UAB Hospital with its 2015 Gift of Life Award, given annually to hospitals that demonstrate a commitment to a successful organ and tissue program. The criteria included the education provided to patients and their families by staff, the presence of a donation committee, donor family recognition, participation in National Donate Life Month activities, donation education offered to the community, and other factors.
“Without engaged hospital partners, we would not be able to offer the donation opportunity to families and provide organs and tissues for transplant to the thousands of people waiting nationally,” said Chris Meeks, executive director of the AOC.
More than 120,000 people in the United States are on the organ transplant waiting list, with 3,189 waiting in Alabama. On average, 22 people die each day because an organ does not become available in time.
For more information, and to register to be a donor, visit the AOC website at www.alabamaorgancenter.org.