Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Crown Point Donation Committee Named “Lifesaving Partner” for Support of Organ and Tissue Donation

Carol-SchusterThe Organ and Tissue Donation Committee of Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Crown Point has been recognized by Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network for outstanding achievement in addressing the critical need for organ and tissue donation.

Named a 2013 Lifesaving Partner by Gift of Hope, Franciscan St. Anthony Health’s Organ and Tissue Donation Committee was among 22 hospital, forensic and civic professionals and organizations recognized for their work to help Gift of Hope carry out its mission of saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation.

Carol Schuster, Franciscan Alliance regional chief nursing officer, accepted a Lifesaving Partners Award from Gift of Hope on the Committee’s behalf at an event in October. Gift of Hope presents the awards annually to individuals and organizations that go above and beyond the call of duty to support the organization’s mission and produce successful donation outcomes.

Franciscan St. Anthony Health’s Organ and Tissue Donation Committee was lauded for its tireless commitment to promoting organ, eye and tissue donation and donor registration through its consistent support of National Donate Life Month each April.

Few, if any, of the hospitals we are privileged to work with exemplify the spirit of National Donate Life Month as well as Franciscan St. Anthony does,” said Kevin Cmunt, Gift of Hope president and CEO. “The hospital began its Donation Committee in 2008, and, working under Carol Schuster’s leadership since then, it has observed National Donate Life Month each year by raising the Donate Life flag, releasing balloons in honor of those waiting and obtaining civic proclamations to raise public awareness of donation and encourage community residents to register as lifesaving donors.”

Two years ago, Franciscan St. Anthony expanded its Donate Life Month observance by displaying Donate Life Trees in the lobby and on the hospital units as symbols of hope. “By the end of the month, the trees were filled with names from staff, patients and visitors who wanted to show their support of organ, eye and tissue donation,” Cmunt said. “Working in concert with Franciscan St. Anthony Health’s Regional Marketing Department, the Donation Committee has worked steadfastly to help make each National Donate Life Month observance at the hospital better than the last.”