From supporting families through donation decisions to helping ensure donor wishes are fulfilled; Niagara Health staff and physicians are being recognized for their role in saving and improving lives. The organization has recently received two provincial awards from Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN), including a 2025-26 Hospital Achievement Award presented to just 48 hospitals in Ontario.
This year, Niagara Health received the Hospital Achievement Award – Provincial Conversion Rate and Eligible Approach Rate, and the Award of Excellence – Provincial Conversion Rate.
Dr. Hari Vasan, Niagara Health's Hospital Donation Physician, says the awards highlight the importance of embedding donation as part of routine, patient-centred care.
"Every donation opportunity begins with recognizing a patient's wishes and ensuring families are supported with the information they need to make informed decisions," says Vasan. "These awards reflect the collaborative efforts of teams across Niagara Health who are committed to honouring those wishes and helping make donation possible."
In 2025-26, Niagara Health supported 16 organ donors, which led to 47 organs donated for transplants, saving 42 lives. Additionally, there were 83 tissue donors, enhancing the lives of countless people.
These awards are presented to hospitals that meet or exceed the provincial target for converting eligible organ donors into actual donors and demonstrating leading practices by facilitating donation discussions with eligible patients and families at end of life. The Award of Excellence recognizes hospitals that have met or exceeded provincial donation targets for four or more consecutive years, demonstrating a sustained commitment to donation best practices.
“These awards reflect the commitment of our teams to providing high-quality end-of-life care and ensuring organ and tissue donation is considered whenever appropriate,” says Elayn Young, Director, Critical Care, Cardiology and Medicine Programs at Niagara Health. “Organ donation involves many people working together across the organization, and this recognition is a testament to the dedication of our staff and physicians who support patients and families through the process.”
Janet MacLean, Vice-President, Trillium Gift of Life Network, said "this achievement reflects the dedicated, patient-centred care provided by Niagara Health's healthcare team as they honour and support the decisions of patients and their families to donate. 1It also reflects the deep commitment of Ontario hospitals to foster a culture of organ and tissue donation as a natural and meaningful part of end-of-life care."
The need for donors remains significant. Approximately 1,400 people in Ontario are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, while thousands more are waiting for a tissue donation. One organ donor can save up to eight lives, while a tissue donor can improve the lives of up to 75 others.
"While we're proud to receive this recognition, it's also an opportunity to raise awareness about the ongoing need for organ and tissue donors," says Young. "Registering your decision and having a conversation with your loved ones can make a profound difference for patients and families waiting for a transplant."
Anyone 16 years or older with a valid Ontario health card can register their consent to become an organ and tissue donor by visiting beadonor.ca or in-person at any ServiceOntario location.
