(Wausau, Wis.) - Four Aspirus Hospitals have been honored with the Tear Drop Award from the American Tissue Services Foundation (ATSF) in recognition of its outstanding commitment to tissue donation and compassionate care for patients and their families.
Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital in Portage, Aspirus Medford Hospital, Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital and Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital all exceeded their tissue donation authorization rate goals and demonstrating the impact of a hospital-wide culture focused on generosity, education, and healing. Thanks to these efforts, hundreds of recipients received the gift of healing through tissue donation—an achievement that reflects the hospital's mission to support both donors and their families through compassionate guidance.
“We are truly honored to have our nursing and medical teams recognized for the compassionate care they provide every day,” said Annie Allen, Director of Nursing at Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital. “Tissue donation represents one of the most profound gifts of healing—extending hope beyond our hospital walls. It is a privilege to support each donor and their family as they make this extraordinary and selfless choice.”
Tissue donations, which can include bone, skin, heart valves, connective tissue, and veins, are vital in more than 2.5 million surgical procedures each year in the U.S. One tissue donor can help up to 75 people, restoring strength, mobility, and independence to individuals facing life-altering conditions.
“Every time you think about a tear drop hitting water, it causes ripples — and they really don't know how many people they're impacting with those ripples," said Joyce Kratz of the American Tissue Services Foundation.
In addition to clinical excellence, the Aspirus facilities recognized have prioritized education and cultural change to advance donation efforts. Staff receive ongoing training about tissue donation options and how to approach sensitive conversations with families. These initiatives have fostered a compassionate environment rooted in empathy and understanding.
The American Tissue Services Foundation, a nonprofit accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks, partners with hospitals, coroners, funeral professionals, and researchers nationwide to expand education and access to tissue donation. Their Tear Drop Award highlights institutions that excel in supporting donor families and promoting a culture of giving.
To learn more about the American Tissue Services Foundation, visit atsfoundation.org.