New York Organ Donor Network's Workplace Initiative Enrolls Nearly 200 Companies in Just Nine Months - September 2, 2003
Donor Network Invites More Companies To Join Awareness Program
In less than nine months, the New York Organ Donor Network has enrolled nearly 200 companies and employee groups in the Workplace Partnership for Life initiative to increase organ and tissue donation awareness. The announcement was made by New York Organ Donor Network President and CEO Elaine Berg.
Workplace Partnership for Life, launched by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson in April 2001, provides employers with resources to raise awareness in the workplace about the need for people to register to become organ, tissue, marrow, and blood donors.
“The outpouring of support for the Workplace Partnership allows the New York Organ Donor Network to give more hope to the 8,200 New Yorkers waiting for life saving organs,” said Ms. Berg. “We hope other employers will assist us in our outreach efforts so we can provide additional support for all 82,000 Americans waiting for a second chance at life through organ donation.”
Since the New York area launch of the Workplace Partnership at the Donor Network in January 2003, participating companies and organizations have used various methods to reach their employees including electronic mail, paycheck stub text messages, visual displays and workshops.
“Aetna is proud to support the Workplace Partnership for Life initiative and to help address this serious public health issue through education and information,” said William C. Popik, M.D., Aetna’s Chief Medical Officer. “Once they understand the issue, few people will walk away from the chance to help or even save the lives of 50 other people by agreeing to be an organ and tissue donor. It’s a gift of hope, and can be a gift of life, and that’s incredibly compelling.”
Earlier this year, Aetna conducted a company-wide organ and tissue donation campaign in 26 sites providing informational displays and workshops for employees. More than 800 employees contributed time to support the campaign. In the months ahead, Aetna will provide organ donation information at regular blood drives and the company’s website.
At CPAdirectory.com, a national on-line directory of licensed accountants, President Michael Rosedale sends weekly e-mail campaigns out to 140,000 accountants throughout the United States as well as providing links to individual state donor registries on the organization’s website. New York Presbyterian Hospital organized employee presentations in April 2003 and continues to provide donor registry information to employees and patients throughout the hospital.
"Each day, 17 people die waiting for an organ,” said Dr. Herbert Pardes, President and CEO of New York Presbyterian Hospital. “We now have an opportunity to make a difference and create a donation friendly America. Learning the facts about organ donation will help all of us make informed, educated decisions about our rights to donate and help save a life."
Other participating New York City companies include Computer Associates International, Essence Communications Partners, Family Circle Magazine, Green Point Bank, Loews Hotels, Nassau University Medical Center, National Council of Churches, TV Guide, United Way and Verizon, Inc.
Additional information about the New York Organ Donor Network is available at www.donatelifeny.org. For employer registration for the Workplace Partnership for Life, contact Juliet Brenegar, New York Organ Donor Network, 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 1244, New York, NY 10115 or jbrenega@nyodn.org.
New York Organ Donor Network is one of 59 not-for-profit, federally-designated organ procurement organizations in the United States. The Donor Network is responsible for the recovery of organs and tissues for transplantation, and public and professional education efforts for a population of 13 million in the Greater New York metropolitan area. It serves the five boroughs of New York City, Long Island, the northern counties of Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester, as well as Pike County, PA. The Donor Network works closely with all health care delivery systems comprised of nine transplant centers and 112 hospitals.
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