LAURIE LABISHAK

COLUMBUS — Heroes were celebrated when Lifeline of Ohio held its Champions of Hope Gala on Oct. 14.

Twenty individuals and organizations were honored for their roles in saving and healing lives through organ, eye and tissue donation.

It was a list that included Laurie Labishak, market director of public relations, marketing and communications for Trinity Health System in Steubenville, who received the Hospital PR Champion award for her advocacy, and commitment to Lifeline of Ohio’s mission to save and heal lives through the gift of donation.

“The work to promote organ donation is a team effort,” Labishak said. “This award is certainly shared with the entire marketing and communications team as well as our donation committee.”

Knowing what to say, which platform to use and when to deliver a message is the important work of a hospital’s public relations and marketing department. During Donate Life Month, Labishak facilitated a Facebook Live discussion with Trinity Health System’s nurse leader, a Lifeline of Ohio representative and a donor family member. Labishak’s ability to balance education and compassion throughout the conversation was remarkable, officials explained.

Furthermore, she worked to ensure there was media coverage of Trinity Health System’s Donate Life Month flag-raising and other events throughout the year.

Labishak serves on the hospital’s donate life committee and continually looks for ways to integrate the donation message into the hospital’s social media and website, as well as community events. And, she continues to collaborate with committee members to honor donors and support their families.

“It is humbling to have the work of your team recognized at the state level,” she said. “I am proud of each and every one of them.”

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. That is why the work of donation champions, like Labishak, is so important, officials added.

For information about organ, eye, and tissue donation or to register as a donor, visit lifelineofohio.org

Lifeline of Ohio is an independent, nonprofit organization that promotes and coordinates the donation of human organs and tissue for transplantation. It 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.