AVMC Honored for Organ and Tissue Donation Outreach

Today Antelope Valley Medical Center (AVMC) received the Health & Human Services Silver Recognition Award for raising awareness about organ donation. The award was presented by an ambassador from OneLegacy, the organ and tissue recovery organization serving a seven-county area in southern California.

The award recognizes AVMC’s efforts in encouraging staff and community members to enroll in the state registry as organ, eye and tissue donors. The hospital has previously been recognized as the top-performing hospital in all of OneLegacy’s service areas, which includes 240 hospitals.

OneLegacy ambassador and liver recipient, John Whalen, shared the story of receiving a donor liver before presenting a framed certificate to a team of nurses and other hospital personnel involved in organ and tissue donation education. "I am honored to be here to share how the generosity and kindness of a perfect stranger gave me a new chance at life," said Whalen as he displayed a photo of his donor. "I appreciate all that AV Hospital does to promote the invaluable gift of organ and tissue donation, which is truly a legacy of love."

Nearly 22,000 California residents are waiting to receive lifesaving hearts, livers, lungs, kidneys and other organs. A single organ donor can save the lives of up to eight people and improve the lives of as many as 75 more by donating their corneas and tissue.

OneLegacy Ambassador John Whalen (left) presents a National Hospital Organ Donation Campaign Silver Recognition Award to AV Hospital Chief Executive Officer Mike Wall. The award acknowledges the hospital’s efforts in encouraging hospital staff and community members to enroll in the state registry as organ, eye and tissue donors.