CVPH Honor Walk Organ Donation Awareness

We are incredibly touched by the selfless gift given by one of our patients, who saved two lives by donating his kidneys. Our staff paid tribute to that man’s gift by holding an honor walk as he was taken on his final journey to the operating room. You can see the honor walk, hear how meaningful it is to staff and the patient’s loved ones, and learn about the impact that organ donation can have. Cayla Ventre, BSN, RN, who is the Nurse Manager in our ICU and serves as the hospital’s Organ Donation Liaison, says there are a few things to keep in mind if you or a loved one are interested in being an organ donor: • End-of-life discussions are important, and not just for older people. Make sure your family knows what you want to happen in the event of a traumatic accident or illness. • If you have already agreed to become an organ donor, tell your family and your healthcare proxy, if you have one. • Should you decide to become a donor, make sure you register online or go to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to sign up. • There is no cost to the donor’s family or estate for donation. We also want to thank The Foundation of CVPH and its donors. The Foundation provided funding for the healthcare proxy, who lives farther away, to stay in the Plattsburgh area while making all of the necessary arrangements.