TOPPENISH, Wash. – Astria Health (AH) was given recognition from Lions World Vision Institute (LWVI), a nonprofit organization, for its successful cornea donations to five patients in need locally, statewide and globally in 2023.
All five donations in 2023 came from Astria Toppenish Hospital, according to a press release.
“Organ, eye or tissue donation is a sacred and significant responsibility for healthcare organizations and providers to offer during critical moments in the lives of donors’ families and donor recipients,” said AH President and Chief Executive Officer Brian Gibbons. “Our team of experts make sure that the donation process goes smoothly in order to extend the quality of life in donor recipients while at the same time offering comfort and care to the donor’s family and honor their sacrifice.”
AH and LWVI, previously known as SightLife, have worked together for decades. Astria Sunnyside Hospital also provided four successful cornea donations in 2022 with Astria Toppenish Hospital adding on two.
SightLife Regional Partner Relations Manager Sarah Gillespie says there is no waiting list for cornea transplants in the United States, unlike organ donations, however there is still a need for the operation as 12 million people worldwide are waiting for a corneal transplant.
More information about Astria Health and the Lions World Vision Institute, including how to support LWVI, can be found on their respective websites.
