Photo courtesy of Highland Secondary School social media

Earlier this month, Highland Activities Director and teacher, Jody Fink was awarded the Excellence in Partnership Donation Champion Award from the Iowa Donor Network.

The award is given to individuals who demonstrate a commitment to educating the public about organ, eye, and tissue donations, advocating for donors and their families, as well as exemplifying the Donor Network’s mission and values.

Fink has worked with the Iowa Donor Network for over a decade, providing valuable information and shedding misconceptions about organ donations to students in both his health and drivers education classes. He tells KCII, “Giving them the knowledge and information ahead of time, being able to sit there and allow them to make an informed decision has just been a huge undertaking and it’s been a huge help for society in general.”

Fink encourages everyone, not just his students, to have the important conversation when it comes to organ donations. He also acknowledged that it is not ultimately his decision. “It has to be their choice. I’m not trying to push people or pressure people into doing that, but I do want to inform them and let them make that educational choice and decision as they move forward in their lives.”

For more information on organ donation or to register as a donor online, visit iowadonornetwork.org.