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LAKEWOOD RANCH MEDICAL CENTER EARNS NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR PROMOTING ORGAN, EYE AND TISSUE DONATION Contact Name: Kristina Sparacino Contact Email: kristina.sparacino@lwrmc.com Contact Phone Number: 3524272108 Lakewood Ranch, Florida – December 15, 2020 – Lakewood Ranch Medical Center (LWRMC) has earned platinum level recognition for their work and dedication in support of organ, eye and tissue donation and public health, even while serving on the frontlines in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The Workplace Partnership for Life (WPFL) program is a national initiative that unites the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the organ donation community with workplaces across the nation in spreading the importance of donation and increasing organ, eye and tissue donor registrations. Between October 2019 and April 2020, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center participated in HRSA’s WPFL Hospital Organ Donation Campaign. The program challenged hospitals and healthcare organizations to partner with their local organ procurement organization to “let life bloom” by educating hospital staff, patients, visitors and surrounding communities about the critical need for organ, eye and tissue donation and by offering the opportunity to register as a donor. Lakewood Ranch Medical Center was one of 1,700 organizations to participate in the 2020 campaign that helped to add 59,662 new donors to state registries across the country. The campaign has generated 552,026 registrations since its inception in 2011 and unites donation advocates at hospitals with representatives from their local organ procurement organizations, such as LifeLink of Florida, Donate Life America affiliates and state and regional hospital associations. Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, Chief Executive Officer, Andy Guz, stated, “Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is honored to earn platinum level recognition from HRSA in coordination with LifeLink and Donate Life Florida for the second year in a row. It is due to the commitment from the staff and hospital to raise awareness and registration for the local organ and tissue recovery program.” Lakewood Ranch Medical Center worked with LifeLink of Florida, the local organ and tissue recovery program, as well as Donate Life Florida, the state organ and tissue donor registry, to leverage its outreach efforts. During the 2019-2020 campaign cycle, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center was one of 41 hospital partner participants within the LifeLink service area, resulting in a total of 151 donor registrations for the campaign year. For more information about the Hospital Campaign, visit www.organdonor.gov/hospitals. An individual can make their decision to become a registered organ and tissue donor when obtaining a driver license or by going to www.DonateLifeFlorida.org. ### About Lakewood Ranch Medical Center (lwrmc.com) Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is the hospital of choice for many families in the Manatee/Sarasota region. The hospital has earned the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission. The Gold Seal of Approval is recognized across the nation as a symbol of quality that shows the hospital's commitment to meeting certain performance standards. Patients at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center have access to a medical staff of more than 600 physicians and allied health professionals who practice in a comprehensive range of specialties and use the hospital's advanced medical technology. Physicians are on the medical staff of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The hospital is not liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. MEDIA CONTACTS: Kristina Sparacino, Director of Marketing Lakewood Ranch Medical Center kristina.sparacino@lwrmc.com