Ochsner Transplant Patients Celebrate the Gift of Life
NEW ORLEANS - Sometimes the perfect gift is giving of yourself and, as of April 2009, over 1.6 million Louisiana residents were registered organ donors. Unfortunately, those statistics become particularly important this time of year, when accidents increase and many regular blood donors bypass their monthly donation for festivities. Ochsner is encouraging the public to make the time to donate blood and become a registered organ donor; holiday gifts that cost nothing but have a huge impact in the lives of many people.
Witness the impact of blood and organ donation at the Ochsner Multi-Organ Transplant Institute's Annual Transplant Patient Holiday Support Group Party on Friday, December 11, from 2pm-4pm in the Brent House Hotel Atrium located on the first floor of Ochsner Medical Center, 1514 Jefferson Highway.
According to the Ochsner Blood Bank, just one pint of blood can save up to three lives. To donate blood, you must be 17 or older, in good health, and weigh at least 110 pounds. Ochsner has the following blood donation locations:
• Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner: 200 West Esplanade Ave, Kenner
• Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank: 2500 Belle Chasse Hwy, Gretna
• Ochsner Medical Center: 1516 Jefferson Highway, N.O.
• Ochsner North Shore: 1000 Ochsner Blvd, Covington
• Ochsner St. Anne General Hospital: 4608 Highway 1, Raceland
• Lady of the Sea Blood Donor Center: 200 West 134th St, Cut Off
• Daily Mobile Blood Drives: Call (504) 842-3375
The most important step an individual needs to take in order to become an organ donor is to make their wishes known, of which there are several methods:
• Register to Donate Life at www.lopa.org
• Call 1-800-521-GIVE (4483)
• Driver's license - Louisiana DMV
• If you're under 18, make your wishes known to a parent or guardian
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