Winsted-Lester Prairie Journal, Dec. 6, 1999

Ridgeview honored for organ donation support Ridgeview Medical Center, Waconia, was recently recognized by the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank, American Red Cross Tissue Services and LifeSource for its support of eye, tissue and organ donation programs. Since 1990, Ridgeview donors have helped restore vision in 160 people. In addition, Ridgeview tissue donors have provided more than 100 people with restorative bone transplants, connective transplants to repair tendons and ligaments, skin transplants for burn victims, and heart valves for children and adults. "Ridgeview nursing staff are proud to help donor families 'give the gift of life' to people in need. Donation services can aid patients with terminal or chronic illness, victims of injury or accident, and many others who can benefit from restoration or transplant procedures," said Pat Michaelson, R.N., vice president of Ridgeview Medical Center. "Ridgeview staff will help facilitate the donation process, which will occur only with the donor family's consent. We encourage people to consider being an organ or tissue donor, and then communicate their wishes to family members or loved ones so decisions won't need to be made during difficult or emotional times," Michaelson added. Following are some interesting facts about donation services: A single eye, organ and tissue donor can save or improve the lives of as many as 50 people There is no cost to the donor family for donation. Poor eyesight or cataracts do not prevent someone from giving the gift of sight. Donated bone, skin, connective tissue and heart valves can be transplanted to improve the quality of life for others. The heart, liver, lungs, pancreas, kidneys and intestines can all be donated. Tell your family your wishes. Donation can only occur with your family's consent. For more information about eye, organ and tissue donation, call 1-888-5-DONATE.

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