The Sconi

Four Aspirus hospitals have been recognized by the American Tissue Services Foundation (ATSF) for their commitment to tissue donation and patient care. The facilities—Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital in Portage, Aspirus Medford Hospital, Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital, and Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital—received the Tear Drop Award for surpassing their tissue donation authorization rate goals. These achievements underscore a hospital culture centered on generosity and healing.

Annie Allen, Director of Nursing at Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital, expressed gratitude for the recognition: “We are truly honored to have our nursing and medical teams recognized for the compassionate care they provide every day.” She emphasized the importance of tissue donation as "one of the most profound gifts of healing."

Tissue donations are crucial in over 2.5 million surgical procedures annually in the U.S., with one donor potentially aiding up to 75 individuals. Joyce Kratz from ATSF noted the wide-reaching impact of such donations: “Every time you think about a tear drop hitting water, it causes ripples — and they really don't know how many people they're impacting with those ripples."

The honored Aspirus facilities have implemented educational programs and cultural changes to enhance donation efforts. Ongoing staff training on donation options and family communication has created an environment of empathy and understanding.

ATSF, accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks, collaborates with various partners nationwide to promote education and access to tissue donation. Their Tear Drop Award acknowledges institutions that excel in supporting donor families and fostering a culture of giving.

For more information about ATSF, visit atsfoundation.org.