First published 2024-11-26 19:16:36
In a pioneering move, C-H-I Health, in collaboration with Live On Nebraska, has unveiled the region’s first dedicated Donor Care Unit at Bergan Mercy, Omaha. Designed to support families through the emotional and often overwhelming organ donation process, this innovation is set to revolutionize the experience of those navigating organ donation. This initiative includes a thoughtfully designed private suite and a family waiting area within the ICU, providing much-needed comfort and support during a profoundly difficult time.
Joe Clokey, a staff member of C-H-I Health, provided a poignant testimony of her personal experience with the organ donation process following the passing of her mother from a massive stroke. Her journey underscores the need for a compassionate environment, something the new Donor Care Unit aims to offer. This facility is not just about providing space but creating a sanctuary for grief and remembrance, with initiatives like an enhanced Honor Walk featuring music and candles to celebrate the lives touched through donation.
Central to the unit’s design is a large mural in the main lobby, which features a dandelion with seeds marked with the initials of current and future organ donor heroes. This symbolic representation serves as a powerful reminder of life and renewal, as these seeds metaphorically float out into the world, marking a legacy of hope and generosity. The mural grows each year, further reinforcing the ongoing commitment to honor these silent heroes.
Although C-H-I Health does not perform transplants, it acts as a crucial donation and procurement site. To date, the Donor Care Unit has facilitated 16 transfers, resulting in 27 successful organ transplants, impacting lives across the country. This initiative is a testament to the dedication of C-H-I Health to create a lasting impact through the selfless act of organ donation, turning moments of profound loss into opportunities for life.
