Mary Lanning Healthcare raises flag, awareness for Donate Life Month

HASTINGS, Neb. — A south central Nebraska hospital is among those raising awareness for organ, tissue and eye donation in April.

Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings hosted a flag raising ceremony Tuesday in conjunction with Live On Nebraska and in honor of National Donate Life Month. Family members of people who have donated organs were also on hand.

Director of the ICU/PCU Laurie Stevens says organ donations are emotional for everyone involved.

“If a family member is a registered donor, it makes it easier for them because they know that they are carrying out the wishes of their loved one," Stevens said. "Otherwise, we help them through that process as well. Live On Nebraska is wonderful at educating the families and helping them through the process.”

According to Live On Nebraska, the country’s waiting list is more than 100,000 deep. One organ donor can save eight lives and more than 100 people can benefit from a single tissue donor. Stevens says Mary Lanning facilitated three organ donations last year.

Live On Nebraska will be set up at the hospital’s north admissions entrance on April 18th to help get people registered. You can also register online or when getting your driver’s license.