Johnson Memorial Hospital Joins Effort to Raise Awareness About Organ, Tissue Donation

STAFFORD SPRINGS, Conn. — Johnson Memorial Hospital is partnering with New England Donor Services to honor and remember those who gave the gift of life through organ and tissue donation. On Jan. 1, 2024, the Donate Life Rose Parade Float, titled “Woven Together: The Dance of Life” will include a dedication garden made up of roses with handwritten dedications by hospital presidents across the country, including Dr. Robert Roose, president of Johnson Memorial Hospital and Mercy Medical Center.

“Through this rose dedication, Johnson Memorial Hospital recognizes our dedication and commitment to the lifesaving and healing generosity of organ and tissue donation,” Roose said. “We are grateful to be part of this celebration of life to be viewed by millions on New Year’s Day.”

Lindsey Gamble, executive director of Operations and Patient Care Services at Johnson Memorial Hospital, added that “organ and tissue donation can be a delicate topic for families to deal with during an extraordinarily difficult time. At Johnson, we are committed to assisting families with compassion and empathy as they make the decision that is right for them and their loved one.”

Since its debut on New Year’s Day 2004, the Donate Life Rose Parade Float has become the world’s most visible campaign to inspire people to become organ and tissue donors. In addition to the 40 million viewers who watch the Rose Parade on TV and along the parade route, events are held around the country to complete the ‘floragraph’ images of donors that adorn the float.

The float showcases the culture of the Hopi, native to the American Southwest. This group of Pueblo Native Americans is one of the oldest cultures in the U.S., originating approximately 7,000 years ago. The Hopi have always been outstanding weavers and artisans, and their dances include colorful costumes and impressive headdresses and will be reflected in the float’s design.

As the world’s most visible campaign to inspire organ, eye and tissue donation, the Donate Life Rose Parade float inspires viewers to save and heal more than 1 million people in need of organ and tissue transplants each year. Register today to become an organ and tissue donor by visiting www.registerme.org.