Kitchener, ON | April 7, 2026 — Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) was recently recognized by Trillium Gift of Life Network for its exceptional efforts to support organ and tissue donation as part of compassionate end-of-life care in 2024/25.
WRHN was presented with two awards:
“Receiving these awards is a profound honor, but the true significance lies in the lives saved and the legacies honored through organ and tissue donation. This recognition is a reflection of our team’s unwavering commitment to providing compassionate care during the most difficult moments. We are proud to support our patients and their families in fulfilling these selfless, life-giving decisions.” Said Elizabeth Ferguson, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Executive, Waterloo Regional Health Network.
WRHN is one of 50 hospital partners across the province to be awarded a 2024/25 Trillium Gift of Life Network Hospital Achievement Award. This marks the largest number of hospitals ever honoured in the history of the awards.
“This year’s record level of recognition is a testament to the dedicated, patient-centred care provided by Waterloo Regional Health Network’s healthcare team as they honour and support the decisions of patients and their families to donate,” said Janet MacLean, Interim Vice-President, TGLN. “It also reflects the deep commitment of Ontario hospitals to fostering a culture where organ and tissue donation is a natural and meaningful part of end-of-life care.”
Each year, the Hospital Achievement Awards recognize hospital partners that meet or exceed Ontario’s targets in key areas of the donation process.
“Behind each award is a team of dedicated healthcare professionals who ensure that every opportunity for donation is thoughtfully considered, and that families are supported in honouring their loved one’s end-of-life wishes,” said Dr. Andrew Healey, Provincial Medical Director – Donation, TGLN. “Trust begins at the door of the hospital, where patients first receive active care. The compassion and commitment shown throughout a patient’s journey profoundly shape the possibility of donation. It’s the care at every stage that makes donation possible.”
Did you know? One organ donor can save up to eight lives, and a single tissue donor can improve the lives of up to 75 people. Yet right now there are 1,627 Ontarians on the transplant waitlist in need of an organ to save their life—while thousands more are waiting for tissue donations.
Despite this need, only 35 per cent of eligible Ontarians are currently registered as organ and tissue donors—that means more than 9 million Ontarians are still not registered. Anyone 16 years or older with a valid Ontario health card can register at beadonor.ca or in person at any ServiceOntario location during a visit to renew your health card or driver’s license.
Just as important as registering is talking to your family about your wishes. When a person has both registered their consent and discussed their decision with their families, their loved ones can confidently move forward in fulfilling those wishes without doubt or uncertainty of their wishes.
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About Waterloo Regional Health Network
Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) represents the merger of two Hospitals into a single, integrated healthcare organization. Built on over 90 years of partnership, WRHN is home to seven regional programs and comprehensive healthcare services to meet the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond. WRHN is redefining the healthcare experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered, community-driven healthcare. At WRHN, we provide outstanding care that’s personal, seamless, and reimagined.
Learn more at WRHN.ca.
Media Contact:
Cassandra Easton
Public Affairs Lead
Waterloo Regional Health Network
[email protected]
519-584-5548