Antelope Valley Medical Center Recognized as Leading Hospital in Saving Lives Through Organ Donation

“Donate Life” Flag Raised to Commemorate National Donate Life Month

(LANCASTER, Calif.) — Antelope Valley Medical Center (AVMC) was recognized today as the top-performing hospital for organ donation by OneLegacy, the organ and tissue recovery organization serving the seven-county greater Los Angeles area. OneLegacy’s expansive service area includes more than 240 hospitals.

“This achievement is a testimony to the entire Antelope Valley Medical Center team as well as the compassion of families dealing with the loss of a loved one,” said John Rossfeld, chief executive officer at AVMC. “The generosity of organ and tissue donors and their families allows others a chance to live a healthier, longer life.”

As the top-performing hospital, AVMC received a $10,000 grant from OneLegacy to build a donor memorial. The announcement was made at a flag-raising ceremony at AVMC to commemorate National Donate Life Month. Along with organizations across the country, AVMC raised a Donate Life flag to bring awareness to the importance of organ donations. The flag at AVMC is at the main entrance of the hospital and will continue to fly for the remainder of the month. Through its participation AVMC hopes to motivate local residents to consider the benefits of organ donation and join the Donate Life California Organ & Tissue Donor Registry.

Nearly 22,000 California residents are waiting to receive lifesaving hearts, livers, lungs, kidneys and other organs. However, there are not enough donors to meet the growing need in the state, let alone the country. In fact, 18 people die every day in the U.S. waiting for an organ transplant; and the national waiting list currently holds more than 123,000 people.

“Organ and tissue donation is an incredible gift,” said Denise Scott, education specialist, critical care services at AVMC. “Joining the donor registry gives hope to those in need of organ and tissue transplants, while leaving a legacy of generosity for the donor and his or her family.”

Those wishing to make the commitment to donate may register online at www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org or its Spanish-language counterpart, www.doneVIDAcalifornia.org.

The community is invited to learn more about organ donation, and register in-person, at Antelope Valley Medical Center’s Blue and Green Day event on April 15 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the hospital’s Café on J. Refreshments will be available. Attendees are invited to wear blue and green to help raise awareness about organ and tissue donation.

About Antelope Valley Medical Center

Antelope Valley Medical Center, a 420-bed district hospital located in the city of Lancaster in northern Los Angeles County, has been serving the community for more than 60 years. As the area’s only full-service hospital, AVMC provides a full array of medical/surgical services, pediatric treatment, NICU, mental health, cancer care and more. It is a Level II trauma center, Accredited Chest Pain Center and Advanced Primary Stroke Center. More information is available at www.AVMC.org or by calling 661-949-5000. Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/antelopevalleyhospital/.