NUMC RECEIVES PLAQUE OF APPRECIATION FROM THE NY ORGAN DONOR NETWORK FOR SAVING LIVES THROUGH ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 13, 2011

PRESS CONTACT:

Shelley Lotenberg

shelley@numc.edu

516-572-6055

NUMC RECEIVES PLAQUE OF APPRECIATION FROM THE NY ORGAN DONOR NETWORK FOR SAVING LIVES THROUGH ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION

East Meadow, New York…..Nassau University Medical Center was presented today with a plaque of appreciation, by the New York Organ Donor Network, in recognition of the hospital’s efforts in saving lives through organ and tissue donation.

“I am proud to announce that NUMC had the highest number of tissue donors in the NY Organ Donor Network service area in 2010. Twenty seven families generously gave their loved ones tissues including their eyes and corneas to restore sight, their skin to heal burn patients, bone to be used in life saving orthopedic surgeries and heart valves and other cardiovascular tissue to be used in life saving cardiac procedures. In 2010 NUMC only had one solid organ donor that resulted in two kidneys being transplanted,” stated Arthur A. Gianelli, President/CEO of the NuHealth System.

“There are more than 100,000 persons in the United States waiting for a donated organ.  The New York Organ Donor Network saves lives through organ and tissue donation. Donation not only helps the countless recipients who will receive these gifts, but also offers hope and healing to these grieving families, knowing that their loved one lives on through the legacy of a donation,” added Steven J. Walerstein, MD, FACP, executive vice president for medical affairs and medical director of the NuHealth System.

Margaret Gallagher, Hospital and Family Services Manager, New York Organ Donor Network, added her congratulations to the NUMC staff on this achievement: “NUMC is successful because of the commitment and support of the hospital leadership and staff. They set the tone that saving lives and helping families find comfort through donation is a priority.”

 For additional information on the New York Organ Donor Network, please call 1-800-GIFT-4-NY, www.donatelifeny.org.

ABOUT NUHEALTH

NuHealth is a Long Island health care organization delivering essential medical care and disease and lifestyle management to everyone at every stage of life.  Also known as Nassau Health Care Corporation, NuHealth is a public benefit corporation managing the operations of Nassau Medical Center, A. Holly Patterson Extended Care and a network of Family Health Centers that bring primary and specialty care out into the community.  By emphasizing wellness, cultural sensitivity and collaborative efforts with the North Shore-LIJ Health System, NuHealth is working to make good care more affordable and easier to access.

For more information about NuHealth or its Centers of Care, visit www.nuhealth.net.