Several years ago, I was renewing my driver’s license and asked whether I would want to be an organ donor. At the time, I thought, why not and have been a donor ever since. The importance of organ donation has been demonstrated through friends who have benefited from donor lungs, eyes, or other vital organs. It truly gives the gift of life once a person passes. This week we joined others across the state to raise the flag in organ donation awareness. At 9:08 am on Monday, we raised the flag. Many asked why 9:08 am? The time represents every 9 minutes a person is added to the list waiting for a donor, and the 8 represents that 1 organ donor may save 8 eight lives. We encouraged our staff to wear blue and green that day and throughout the week to celebrate National Blue & Green Spirit Week by being an organ donor. Someone’s life may depend on it, and it could be yours.
Kris Jacobson, LNHA, LALD, MBA
JMHS CEO