Bernita Watson Recognized at Lifeline of Ohio's Champions of Hope Gala
Jessica Petersen, Manager of Media Relations, Lifeline of Ohio:
Email: jpetersen@lifelineohio.org
Memorial Health System’s very own Bernita Watson, Clinical Nurse Manager, was honored at Lifeline of Ohio’s Champions of Hope Gala on October 14, 2023 – a night of celebrating heroes. Twenty individuals and organizations were honored for their roles in saving and healing lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation.
Bernita received the Donation Liaison Champion award for her hard work, advocacy, and commitment to Lifeline of Ohio’s mission to save and heal lives through the gift of donation. “High expectations,” “incredible compassion,” and “thoughtful and helpful” are all words used to describe her. In the past year, Bernita worked tirelessly to enhance the consistency of referrals and the quality of care for all patients in the health system.
Despite overseeing four units at Marietta Memorial Hospital, Bernita reviewed and revised every policy and procedure related to donation within Memorial Health System to ensure that each aligns with the policies of Lifeline of Ohio. Bernita goes above and beyond to ensure that the opportunity for donation is maximized every time, when appropriate. She also plans Honor Walks, specs quality time with a donor’s family and loved ones, and supports other team members throughout the process of the donation.
Approximately 104,000 people nationwide are waiting for a lifesaving transplant, and 20 times a day, an individual dies for lack of an available organ. This is why the work of donation champions, like Bernita, is so important.
For more information about organ, eye, and tissue donation or to register your donation decision, visit: https://lifelineofohio.org/
About Lifeline of Ohio: An independent, non-profit organization, Lifeline of Ohio promotes and coordinates the donation of human organs and tissue for transportation. Lifeline of Ohio serves 97 hospitals and facilities in 38 counties in Ohio and two in West Virginia and is designated as an organ procurement organization through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
