Donor Sabbath invites faith leaders to encourage organ donation

WHAT: National Donor Sabbath, observed annually two weekends before Thanksgiving, brings together the donation, transplantation and faith communities to give thanks for the lifesaving gifts of organ, eye and tissue donors.

At Augusta University, the occasion will be marked with prayer and a flag raising. In partnership with LifeLink of Georgia, a new Donate Life flag will be raised outside AU Medical Center during a brief program including information on registering for organ donation and the important role faith plays in many people’s lives and how it influences someone’s decision to help others by registering as a donor.

WHEN: 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18, 1120 15th St., at the flagpole on Harper Street near the intersection at 15^th Street; parking is available in the 15^th Street/Medical Center Deck at Entrance 3

BACKGROUND: AU Medical Center recently received platinum recognition from Workplace Partnership for Life for its National Hospital Organ Donation Campaign. The award recognizes the medical center’s efforts encouraging hospital staff and community members to enroll as donors. The hospital is also just one of 19 hospitals nationwide selected to participate in the initial pilot phase of the Collaborate Innovative and Improvement Network, a three-year project to increase the number and quality of kidney transplants.

OPPORTUNITIES: Photo, video and interview opportunities with recipients and donor families will be available. Call Kelly Jasper if you are interested in covering this event.