OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital Celebrates Donate Life Month, Honoring Organ, Eye and Tissue Donors

O'Bleness Donate Life

Throughout April, OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital has joined with Lifeline of Ohio to celebrate National Donate Life Month, recognizing the life-saving impact of organ, eye and tissue donation and honoring those who give the ultimate gift: the gift of life.

This year’s observance featured a ceremony on April 11, where hospital associates gathered to form a human Donate Life ribbon — a symbol of support for donor families and those waiting for transplants. During the event, Jessie Borden, supervisor of donation program coordination at Lifeline of Ohio, shared the profound impact that donors make both locally and nationwide.

“Behind every number is a generous donor with their own life story, and, because of them, others are living and healing today,” said Borden. “We’re grateful to the O’Bleness Hospital team for their compassionate care of donors and for honoring the legacy of those who said ‘yes’ to donation.”

In 2024, four tissue donors were cared for at O’Bleness, contributing to lifesaving and life-enhancing transplants. Additionally, 38 placenta donors from O’Bleness helped create healing grafts for patients through Lifeline of Ohio’s Placenta Donation Program.

Throughout April, the hospital has hosted a variety of activities to raise awareness and celebrate donors, including:

• Displaying a special donor family quilt in the cafeteria
• Featuring “thank you” artwork created by third-grade students from Chieftain Elementary in Logan
• Hosting hands-on activities such as rock painting and coloring to encourage conversations about donation
• Setting up educational tables in the hospital cafeteria, where representatives from Lifeline of Ohio are available to answer questions and assist with donor registration
• Creating a dedicated Placenta Donation Wall in the OB unit, with tiny footprints representing each donation

“This month has been about both reflection and action,” said LeeAnn Lucas-Helber, president of OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital. “It’s a privilege to honor the generosity of donors and their families, and to help raise awareness about the difference donation can make in someone’s life.”

"On behalf of the Lifeline of Ohio team, thank you to OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital for spreading the Donate Life message during April—and all year,” said Andrew Mullins, CEO of Lifeline of Ohio. “Your dedication to honoring donors, celebrating recipients, and inspiring the community to register as organ, eye and tissue donors is truly invaluable. We are grateful for our continued partnership in saving and healing lives through donation.”

O’Bleness Hospital encourages all community members to consider registering as organ, eye, and tissue donors. Registration can be completed at the Ohio BMV or online at www.lifelineofohio.org.