UPMC recognized in statewide organ donation challenge

Williamsport, Pa. — UPMC in North Central Pa. and two of its hospitals have earned statewide recognition for organ donation efforts.

UPMC in North Central Pa., which includes UPMC Cole, UPMC Muncy, UPMC Wellsboro, UPMC Williamsport, and UPMC facilities in Lock Haven earned third place as a Gift of Life Donor Program Top Performing Health Systems in The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania’s (HAP) 2024 Donate Life PA Hospital Challenge.

At the hospital level, UPMC Williamsport received “Titanium” Gift of Life Donor Program Designation and UPMC Wellsboro earned “Platinum.”

“For many, the journey for transplant can be long and challenging, but our team goes above and beyond for patients and their families,” said Patti Jackson-Gehris, president, UPMC in North Central Pa. “When it comes to organ transplantation, we have access to everything we need to care for those individuals.

While breakthroughs are happening every day, and UPMC is often at the forefront, we’re not at a point for this life-saving work to happen without donors. I want to encourage you to spread the word that we need people to consider the impact they can make as a donor. Our region and hospitals’ designations recognize the efforts our providers and staff make every day in our commitment to supporting organ donation as a viable life-saving option.”

The annual campaign encourages Pennsylvania hospitals to increase organ, eye, and tissue donation awareness within their hospitals and communities. HAP partnered with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the two organ procurement organizations serving Pennsylvania — the Center for Organ Recovery & Education and Gift of Life Donor Program — to support the challenge.

UPMC in North Central Pa. promotes organ donation through various events throughout the region including special flag-raising ceremonies highlighting the kickoff of National Donate Life Month. The system also provides education and encouragement to consider organ donation through social media, system marketing, and community outreach.