Health

Blue and Green Day Raises Organ Donation Awareness

Apr 24, 2019

Joan Cusack-McGuirk, MSLC President and CEO, and Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson raise the flag in honor of National Blue and Green Day.

NEWBURGH – Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall (MSLC) held a flag-raising ceremony at its Newburgh campus to commemorate National Blue and Green Day on April 12 as part of its recognition of National Donate Life Month.

Donate Life Month is a nationally-recognized month that is focused on raising awareness and engagement for organ, eye and tissue donation.

The event helped recognize the work MSLC does to help save even more lives through organ and tissue donation. Through hospital’s efforts in support of donation and the process, families of loved ones can find comfort, recipients are given the gift of life and hope remains present for those waiting for a lifesaving transplant. From referral calls, to support of a grieving family and collaboration with our organ procurement organization, LiveOnNY, Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall plays a crucial role in saving more lives through donation.
“We are incredibly proud of our organ donation efforts and the great work being done with our community partners on this very important cause,” said MSLC President & CEO Joan Cusack-McGuirk. “As part of our partnership with the Montefiore Health System, we are connected to the Montefiore Einstein Center for Transplantation, one of the most active and successful programs in the country that offers innovative treatments and access to advanced clinical research trials.”

Members of the Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall team along with Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson, Scott Wohl and Elaine Smiley from LiveOnNY come together in honor of National Blue and Green Day to increase awareness of the importance of Organ Donation.

Prior to raising the Donate Life flag, remarks were offered by Cusack-McGuirk; Margaret Deyo-Allers, MSLC Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President for Patient Care; Assembly member Jonathan Jacobson (D-104), and Scott Wohl, LiveonNY Senior Manager of Community Engagement & Activation.

“I’d like to thank Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall for bringing us together to celebrate the power and beauty of organ donation. There are nearly 10,000 people waiting for a lifesaving transplant in New York, and while research shows that more than 90% of New Yorkers support organ donation, only 35% are currently registered. I encourage all New Yorkers to consider registering to save a life.”

There are 10,000 New Yorkers waiting for an organ transplant. One organ donor can save up to eight lives and improve the lives of up to 50 people through tissue donation. To learn more and sign up as an organ donor visit LiveOnNY.org.