MMC-Neillsville raises ‘Donate Life’ flag to encourge organ donation

In observance of National Donate Life Month this April, Marshfield Medical Center-Neillsville raised a “Donate Life” flag on Friday, April 22 at 10:08 a.m. to honor the organ, tissue and eye donors who gave the gift of life to so many others in need. The flag raising took place at the medical campus located at N3708 River Ave. in Neillsville.

Observed in April each year, National Donate Life Month is intended to raise awareness about the importance and need of organ, eye, and tissue donation, to encourage Americans to register as donors, and to honor those that have saved lives through the gift of donation. The 10:08 a.m. timing symbolizes that one donor can potentially save or affect eight lives.

“Raising a ‘Donate Life’ flag is a small gesture to honor all donation heroes and encouraging everyone who hasn’t registered as a donor to do so today,” said Dr. Tim Golemgeski, vice president of medical affairs for Marshfield Medical Center-Neillsville. “Lifesaving decisions by individuals and families can help ensure that others get a second chance at life.”

Currently, there are more than 100,000 men, women and children awaiting organ transplants in the United States, including more than 1,500 people here in Wisconsin. Unfortunately, not all these people will receive a second chance at life.

-- Approximately 6,000 people die each year (17 people each day) because the organs they need are not available.

-- On average, 150 people are added to the nation’s organ transplant waiting list each day.

-- A single organ and tissue donor can save or heal the lives of up to 50 people.

In 2021, more than 41,000 transplants from 20,300 donors brought renewed life to patients and their families and communities across the Unites States.

Many people don’t register because they think they can’t donate, which is often not the case. Anyone can be a potential donor, regardless of age, race or medical history.

Marshfield Medical Center-Neillsville is joining Marshfield Clinic Health System’s other medical campuses in recognizing National Donate Life Month, and encourages people throughout our communities to give hope and help save lives by registering to be an organ, eye and tissue donor. To those who have already registered their donation decision, we thank you. Help continue to save lives by sharing the Donate Life message, educating others about the need and how their generosity can help save and heal lives.