EAST LIVERPOOL - Joining other local communities, Mayor Jim Swoger has proclaimed March 23 Organ Donor Awareness Day in Honor of Chelsea Lingenfelter, with events planned that day by the city health department.
Wellsville resident Lingenfelter recently died while undergoing a liver transplant after suffering from liver disease most of her life.
In making the proclamation, Swoger noted, "Chelsea Lingenfleter was a true example to us all in her strength and courage to live life with grace and dignity while awaiting a liver transplant, which arrived too late."
The proclamation notes, "The need is real - there are 117,329 people waiting for an organ; 18 people will die each day (waiting) for an organ. One organ can save up to eight lives."
It concludes, "Let us renew our commitment to choose to donate life. Let us choose to honor Chelsea by increasing the number of donors in our communities. All of us can encourage everyone to donate and end this unacceptable loss of life."
In celebration of the special day, the health department will hold a mini-health fair from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday in the lobby of City Hall on Sixth Street, during which people can obtain information on organ donation, as well as registering to become an organ donor.
In addition, students from the Kent State University-East Liverpool Campus registered nursing program will be offering free blood pressure screenings. Representatives from River Valley Health Partners/East Liverpool City Hospital will also be on hand to provide health education to visitors.
Other communities around the county have also declared Saturday Organ Donor Awareness Day in honor of Lingenfelter.
