MT. VERNON – Together with the team at Mid-America Transplant, SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon celebrated a beautiful addition to their hospital grounds—a new bench and flagpole and honored the extraordinary lives of donor heroes and the profound impact of organ donation.
This new bench and flagpole serve as a lasting tribute to those who chose to be organ and tissue donors. This tribute is intended to be a place of reflection, inspiration, and remembrance for all who visit to reflect on the incredible legacies of donor heroes, whose selfless acts of bravery and kindness enabled others to live longer, healthier lives.
“Every organ donor is a hero – through their generosity and selflessness, they have given others a second chance of life,” said Damon Harbison, President of SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital- Centralia and SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital-Mt. Vernon. “We take pride in flying the organ donor flag at Good Samaritan Hospital because it’s a symbol of hope and compassion. We hope the organ donor flag will remind our community of the power of giving and the impact it can have on countless lives.”
During the dedication ceremony, SSM Health was commended for the critical role the health care ministry plays in caring for donor heroes and donor recipients. It was noted that the world’s longest-surviving heart transplant recipient, Susan Burkhart, credits SSM Health for saving her life over 41 years ago.
“SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital is the jewel of healthcare in southern Illinois. We have been incredibly fortunate and blessed to work with their dedicated staff members each time we have had an organ donor case,” said Kevin Lee, CEO of Mid-America Transplant, as he spoke about the care given to patients and families at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital.” Families say yes to organ donation when they have been treated with compassionate care. It builds a bond of trust because they know their loved one received the best quality of care. “
Together, SSM Health in southern Illinois and Mid-America Transplant will continue to spread awareness and education about the importance of organ donation and encourage others to consider being donors.
If you are not registered as an organ donor, Donate Life makes the process easy. Register at https://registerme.org/.
