SHELTON, WA – For the recipients of an organ or tissue donation, there is no question that the procedure has saved and improved the quality of their lives. Mason Health’s own Director of Emergency, Walk-In Clinic and Trauma Services Kristyn Criss received a life-altering tissue donation that now allows her to remain active while working and going on adventures with her four children. Mason Health staff understand the power of organ and tissue donation, and this spring, two partner organizations recognized the District’s support of this important service.

LifeNet Health, the Pacific Northwest’s only full-service tissue bank that recovers, prepares, and distributes tissue for transplantation, medical research, and education, honored Mason Health Chief Nursing Officer Melissa Strong and Chief Development & Communications Officer Jennifer Capps with the 2021 Hospital Administration Award. The award celebrates their leadership in creating a supportive environment that promotes the culture of donation throughout Mason General Hospital.

“We are grateful for our partnership with Mason Health, including all that we have accomplished together to save and enhance lives in our community,” said Rony Thomas, President & CEO of LifeNet Health. “Over the last several years, we have worked together to support numerous important initiatives to increase awareness and support of donation — so we can change even more lives for the better.”

LifeCenter Northwest, a nonprofit, federally-designated organ procurement and tissue recovery organization, awarded Mason Health with the 2021 LifeCenter Northwest Collaboration Achievement Award. Mason Health is one of only 32 hospitals in the region to receive this award, which honors hospital partners who excel in the area of planning a collaborative family conversation regarding donation with LifeCenter Northwest.

LifeCenter Northwest also awarded Mason Health with the 2021 LifeCenter Northwest Organ Donation Referral Achievement Award. Mason General Hospital is one of only 11 regional hospitals to receive this award. The award recognizes hospital’s efforts at achieving and maintaining a timely referral rate.

“Each year, LifeCenter recognizes top-performing hospitals for their continued dedication to supporting donation,” said Santokh Gill, President & CEO of LifeCenter Northwest. “Organ donation truly cannot happen without this collaboration and teamwork between hospital and LifeCenter Northwest staff … I want to personally thank you for persisting and saving so many lives despite the unprecedented challenges we faced in 2021 — and continue to face in 2022. Your team’s courage, compassion and commitment to providing high-quality care in the midst of a worldwide pandemic is commendable and inspiring.”

Mason Health, Public Hospital District No. 1 of Mason County, is certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and is a licensed and accredited acute care hospital with a level four emergency trauma designation. Mason General Hospital and Mason Clinic are ENERGY STAR® certified and Mason Health is the recipient of the Practice Greenhealth Partner for Change Environmental Excellence Award. There are more than 100 physicians on staff in 19 specialties. For more information or to find a health care provider, visit www.masongeneral.com.

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