Community Hospital Stresses Donation

The Community Hospital's staff and administration have long recognized the importance of its donor program. Jana Lacera, hospital liaison for donation, says, "We emphasize donation policies and procedures

Seated (l to r): Diane Fischer, Beth Gonzales, Judy Phillips and Jana Lacera (Unit Director, ICU). Standing (l to r): Dawn Nelson, Lisa Perzee.

The staff nurses play one of the most important roles in the donation process, since they work so closely with the patients and develop a trust, not only with the patient, but also with their families. The nurses establish the rapport necessary for dialogue about organ donation.

As part of their active community awareness program, the Hospital partnered with ROBI (Regional Organ Bank of Illinois) and TAG (Transplant Awareness Group) to dedicate a tree with a plaque commemorating the courage, sacrifice and hope that donation can bring. During National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week, the Hospital has a display outside its public cafeteria depicting recipient stories and expressing the continuing need for people to make the decision for donation. Community Hospital staff is always available to the Donor Program for public eduation programs.

ILEB applauds Community Hospital's very high level of awareness and dedication to the issues surrounding donation.

in our employee orientations, yearly competencies and periodic inservices." Supervisory staff also play a major role, involving themselves with all donor families. In 1999, Community recovered organs and/or tissue from 12 percent of eligible donors.

Jana has been with The Community Hospital for 24 years and is currently the ICU Manager. She has been in charge of the donor committee since it started in 1992. "I like dealing with all end of life issues. It is such a sa-cred moment for everyone involved. Sometimes, when the patient can't help the family make an informed decision, I act as a sounding board."

Staff Spotlight:

Lonisa Marina

Lonisa M. Marina joined the Eye Bank staff last year. She is responsible forcoordinating and managing administra-tion of the Eye Bank as well assuringthat the office environment is maintained at a professional level. She also serves as a liaison to the public, hospitals and coroners. Lonisa holds a degree in Human Resource Management and loves traveling and cooking.