Wilford Hall receives national honors

  • Published
  • By Sue Campbell
  • 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  The Wilford Hall Medical Center staff here earned the U.S. Health and Human Services Medal of Honor Oct. 20.

The medal is awarded to hospitals that have achieved at least a 75 percent donation rate as part of the national organ donation initiative launched in April 2003.

The national average donation rate for all hospitals is 60 percent.

"Wilford Hall will be honored for their leadership in organ donation, with an 87.5 percent donation rate," said Patrick Giordano, chief executive officer of the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance. "This is an outstanding effort by all involved in the organ donation process."

More than 95,000 patients are waiting for their second chance at life through an organ transplant.

"More than 2,300 patients wait in the donation service area assigned to TOSA," said Mr. Giordano. "The work we do together ensures these patients get a chance to live and grieving families are given the opportunity to create a legacy for their loved ones."

Rose Bolenbaucher, the 59th Medical Wing liaison for organ and tissue donation, will attend a ceremony in October to accept the award on behalf of the hospital.

"It takes someone like Rose to make sure our staff notifies TOSA so they have an opportunity to speak with the families," said Col. (Dr.) Greg Wickern, chief of medical staff at Wilford Hall. "Rose is the focal point that made this accomplishment happen; by working side by side with TOSA on process improvement issues and on site educational opportunities for the staff."