SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital is one of 19 hospitals and medical centers recognized by UW Organ and Tissue Donation for an ongoing commitment to saving and improving lives through organ and tissue donation.

UW Organ and Tissue Donation is a federally designated organ procurement organization serving more than 100 hospitals in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois. Each year, the organization presents four different awards to hospitals and staff for excellence in maximizing the gift of life.

SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital was given an Excellence in Tissue Donation Award, which recognizes partner hospitals that achieve at least a 66% authorization rate from families when asked by care teams about organ donation. This metric measures the collaborative work between the hospital and tissue bank staff in coordinating communication with patients and families around tissue authorization conversations.

Katie Schrauth, RN, manager, and Lisa Leblanc, RN, both with SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital Intensive Care Unit, accepted the honor.

“These awards showcase the hard work, dedication, and extensive collaboration that exists among the teams at SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital, as they work together to make donation a reality for both donor heroes and recipients,” according to Schrauth. “We were extremely honored to accept the awards on behalf of everyone at SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital who has an impact on organ donation.”

Winners were honored during a ceremony on May 14 in Wisconsin Dells.

“Hospitals are essential partners in the life-saving journey of organ donation through their compassionate care for donor heroes and the exceptional support of donor families,” according to Michael Anderson, UW Organ and Tissue Donation executive director. “We commend these hospitals and their incredible care teams for working so hard to honor the selfless generosity of organ donors and ensure their life-saving gifts reach those who need them most.”  

Lisa Leblanc (left), RN, and Katie Schrauth, RN, manager, both with SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital Intensive Care Unit, accept an Excellence in Tissue Donation Award from UW Organ and Tissue Donation.