Genesis unveils tribute to placenta donors

Genesis HealthCare System unveiled a new display April 1, "Donate Life Living Donor Day," to honor and recognize mothers who donated their placentas to create healing grafts. Genesis collaborates with Lifeline of Ohio to offer women giving birth by C-section the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.

“This wall represents something powerful. It tells a story of mothers who are changing lives with their generosity,” said Sarah Pierce, director of women’s and children’s services at Genesis HealthCare System. “Something that has fulfilled its purpose in one life becomes the beginning of healing in another.”

“There was no question this was a great opportunity to help others in need with an organ my baby no longer needed after birth,” said Desiree Martin, a mother who donated her placenta in 2020.

“We are truly grateful to the patients and teams at Genesis HealthCare System for their commitment to placenta donation,” said Andrew Mullins, CEO, Lifeline of Ohio. “We honor the legacies of placenta donors whose generous gifts provide incredible healing to those in need.”

An average of 25 healing grafts can be made from one placenta. Donations from Genesis patients since partnering with Lifeline of Ohio in 2019 have created more than 10,000 grafts.

The placenta, amniotic membranes and the umbilical cord have the potential to help patients with a range of procedures including eye, oral and spine surgery and for the treatment of difficult-to-heal wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers and burns.

To learn more about Lifeline of Ohio’s placenta donation program, visit www.lifelineofohio.org. To learn more about maternity services at Genesis, visit www.genesishcs.org/maternity.