LV Stabler Memorial Hospital is being recognized for their “very admirable job” in helping give the gift of life. LVS was one of 13 hospitals out of 127 served by the Alabama Organ Center (AOC) honored with the 2015 Gift of Life Award for their  dedication to organ and tissue donation and family care.

Michael Scott, COO of the Alabama Organ Center (AOC), presented the award to the hospital’s CEO,  Donny Rentfro, at a special reception on Tuesday afternoon in the hospital’s dining room.

Scott applauded LVS for its great connection to the local community and shared the criteria for receiving the award, including staff education and community education, assisting donor families, making referrals in a timely manner in order to act on donations speedily, and other factors.  Several tissue and eye/cornea donors and at least one organ donor has come from LVS, with between 150-300 individuals aided by these donations.

“We couldn’t appreciate your efforts more,” said Scott. “Every time we have a donation, that’s like hitting a home run.”

Rentfro had the opportunity to sign one of the floral holders that will be used on the Donate Life Rose Parade float in January 1 in Pasadena.

The families of deceased donors will see their loved ones’ likenesses depicted on the float, while transplant recipients and living donors will ride on and walk beside the float.

“Be sure and keep an eye out for that float,” said AOC regional coordinator Angela Haffarnan. “A little bit of Greenville will pass by on the TV screen New Year’s Day.”