Centra's hospital campuses have taken on a vibrant new glow, emanating from a heartfelt initiative that is focused on raising awareness in our community about organ donation.
Wondering if the Freedom Tower located at Liberty University could be lit up green in honor of organ donation led Rhae Newbill, an Advanced Clinical Nurse, to partner with other individuals at Centra to work to light up multiple sites across the system.
Now whenever a family makes the brave choice to donate, a poignant tribute unfolds. The exterior of Centra Lynchburg General Hospital, Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital's iconic spire, and the signage at Centra Southside Community Hospital and Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital are illuminated green, the official color of gifting life, from dusk to dawn for 24-48 hours. In 2023, over 18 families at Centra have made the decision to donate life.
Rhae lost her brother in 2005 after he spent time in the Intensive Care Unit. Describing him as someone who was, “servant hearted and never met a stranger,” their family made the brave decision to donate his organs. Unfortunately, too much time had passed after his cardiac death, so the organs were no longer considered eligible for donation. Because of this, Rhae is devoted to carrying on his legacy by being an advocate for organ donation and education in the community of Lynchburg.
In addition to being lit up green whenever a donation is made, this project was expanded to include other health awareness months. The community can expect the colors illuminating the buildings and signs to change each month with the goal of raising awareness around topics such as breast cancer (pink) and heart month (red)!