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Warrensburg, Missouri — Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) has been recognized with the 2026 Excellence in Donation Award for Tissue Excellence by Midwest Transplant Network (MTN), honoring the hospital’s strong collaboration in supporting tissue donation and helping extend the impact of generosity.
The annual Excellence in Donation Awards recognizes hospitals and community partners across Kansas and western Missouri for their commitment to working alongside Midwest Transplant Network to support organ, eye, and tissue donation efforts. Awards are based on 2025 outcomes and highlight organizations that demonstrate exceptional coordination, communication, and support for donation opportunities when they arise.
Tissue donation can provide meaningful healing opportunities for individuals in need, supporting recovery and improving quality of life for patients facing serious medical conditions or injury.
As part of this year’s recognition, WMMC received a framed butterfly artwork from Midwest Transplant Network, symbolizing transformation, renewal, and the lasting impact of giving. The artwork is proudly displayed in the hospital lobby as a tribute to donors, families, and care teams who make these moments of generosity possible.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of our teams and their commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care,” said Darinda Dick, President and CEO of Western Missouri Medical Center. “We are proud to partner with Midwest Transplant Network in supporting families and honoring decisions that reflect generosity, care, and community.”
Midwest Transplant Network presented awards to hospitals demonstrating excellence in donation coordination and partnership. WMMC was among several regional hospitals recognized for Tissue Excellence.
“Partnerships like the one we share with Western Missouri Medical Center help ensure donation opportunities are handled with respect, compassion, and seamless coordination,” said Justina Barnes, Director of Hospital Services at Midwest Transplant Network. “Together, we are able to honor generosity and support healing across our communities.”
Acerca del Centro Médico del Oeste de Missouri
Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) is a fully accredited, county-owned healthcare system based in Warrensburg, Missouri, proudly serving Johnson County and surrounding communities. As an independent, not-for-profit medical center, WMMC is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care.
WMMC provides a broad range of inpatient and outpatient services, including emergency and time-critical care, obstetrics, surgical services, primary and specialty care, rehabilitation, and diagnostic imaging. With a strong focus on patient experience, clinical excellence, and community health, WMMC continues to invest in advanced technology, dedicated providers, and innovative services to meet the evolving needs of the region. Learn more at wmmc.com and follow Western Missouri Medical Center on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
About Midwest Transplant Network
Midwest Transplant Network saves lives through organ, eye and tissue donation. Serving Kansas and western Missouri since 1973, Midwest Transplant Network is a federally certified, not-for-profit organ procurement organization. Midwest Transplant Network works with organ, eye and tissue donors, their families, hospitals, and other professional partners to extend legacies, provide hope and give life. Its central office is in Westwood, Kansas, with satellite offices in Wichita, Kansas, and Columbia and Joplin, Missouri. Midwest Transplant Network commemorated 50 years in 2023 and consistently ranks in the top 10 of organ procurement organizations in the country.
Midwest Transplant Network had 13 organ donors in 1972. In 2025, Midwest Transplant Network recovered 1,080 organs for transplant from 371 donor heroes. The growth reflects the thoughtfulness of people in Kansas and western Missouri, the strong support from hospital and community partners, and a commitment to continual improvement to save more lives.