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From Awareness to Action: Why Organ Donation Matters
On November 24, 2025, students from the Institute for Health Professions at Cambria Heights (IHPCH) toured the headquarters of LiveOnNY, a federally designated organ procurement organization based in Long Island City, Queens.
During their visit, students were given a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the organ donation and transplant preparation process — including viewing two human kidneys preserved in mechanical pumps, one destined for transport to a recipient and the other waiting for a suitable match in LiveOnNY’s “rescue room.”
The visit also included a tour of the new Donate Eight Simulation Center, an advanced facility designed to replicate an ICU environment. There, students observed training simulations used by transplant coordinators to practice critical-care management, donor maintenance, and family conversations.
LiveOnNY staff and recipients shared personal stories, helping demystify misconceptions around organ donation and illustrating its life-saving impact. The experience was “thought-provoking,” according to students preparing for medical careers — many said the visit encouraged them to consider registering as organ donors.
This educational outreach underscores LiveOnNY’s commitment to public awareness and professional training — offering future healthcare workers and community members a powerful and transparent view of the donation process, and encouraging new donors to help save lives.
During their visit, students were given a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the organ donation and transplant preparation process — including viewing two human kidneys preserved in mechanical pumps, one destined for transport to a recipient and the other waiting for a suitable match in LiveOnNY’s “rescue room.”
The visit also included a tour of the new Donate Eight Simulation Center, an advanced facility designed to replicate an ICU environment. There, students observed training simulations used by transplant coordinators to practice critical-care management, donor maintenance, and family conversations.
LiveOnNY staff and recipients shared personal stories, helping demystify misconceptions around organ donation and illustrating its life-saving impact. The experience was “thought-provoking,” according to students preparing for medical careers — many said the visit encouraged them to consider registering as organ donors.
This educational outreach underscores LiveOnNY’s commitment to public awareness and professional training — offering future healthcare workers and community members a powerful and transparent view of the donation process, and encouraging new donors to help save lives.
IHPCH Holiday Spirit Week!
Spirit Week Rules/Policies:
Student choice of clothing should also be appropriate for a school setting. No crop tops, inappropriate language displayed, Clothing that is too tight, sheer, revealing (such as holes, rips, or tears) is prohibited.
If students DO NOT PARTICIPATE in the theme day, they are required to wear the IHPCH school uniform. Anyone not adhering to the Theme of the day will be delayed at scanning, a parent will be called or the student will be asked to get prepared for school.
Remember to dress appropriately for a school environment! LET'S HAVE FUN!! 🎉
WEEK GUIDELINES:
Matcha & Quarterzip Monday * 12/15
- Come dressed in your best quarterzips (NO Niketechs allowed!) and a matcha (or two) in hand…bonus if it’s an IHPCH quarterzip!
- We suggest khakis, slacks, or knee-length pleated skirts, to be paired with this for the full look!
Teacher & Student Swap Tuesday * 12/16
Student Version 👩🎓👨🎓:
- Dress like a teacher for the day, think cardigans, clipboards, or even glasses, or whatever your favorite teacher would wear!
- Have fun with it: try the “I’ll wait” stare or the “classic” teacher walk.
- Keep it school-appropriate!
Teacher Version 👩🏫👨🏫:
- Dress like a student, think Essential hoodies, Lulu jackets, backpacks, sneakers, whatever your students wear to class.
- Extra points for “I totally did my homework…” energy
- Keep it fun!
Men in Black Wednesday * 12/17 🕴
- Staying on the professional pipeline, we don’t just wear quarter zips, but suits as well! Come dressed in your best suit (all Black of course), because… “we are the Men [and Women] in Black”.
House Wars Thursday * 12/18
- IHPCH’s houses: Emerald, Ruby, Amethyst, Sapphire, & Onyx, as you know go toe to toe each year to declare who is the most superior out of the lower (9th & 10th) and upper (11th & 12th) houses!
- Students must wear their house shirts for THEIR house (not one that isn’t!)
- Appropriate bottoms are permitted! (Ex. Non-ripped jeans, knee-length skirts, sweatpants, etc). You know what’s appropriate!
Villains Vs. Superheroes Friday* 12/19
- Marvel fan? DC fan? Now is your time to shine! ✨ Dress up (appropriately) as your favorite superhero 🦸♀️ or villain 🦹♀️ from any comic, TV show, or movie you love!
- Being a duo is always fun, you’re free to dress up with your friends, partners, whoever, so have fun!
- Please make sure your costume is appropriate. This means no exposed cleavage/chest, bottoms that are to the knee or past it, nothing overt (this isn’t a Halloween party!)
Matching PJ’s Monday * 12/22
- Bring some coordination to the week by matching pajamas with a friend(s)!
- Go for cozy sets, matching patterns, etc. 👯♀️
- Keep everything school-appropriate so you’re matching in style, not in ‘dress-code’ violations…
Holiday PJ’s Tuesday * 12/23
- Show off your festive side with holiday or winter-themed pajamas.
- Seasonal prints, fun accessories, and warm layers are all fair game.
- Make sure your pajamas are still classroom-ready, festive doesn’t mean forgetting the basics!
Student choice of clothing should also be appropriate for a school setting. No crop tops, inappropriate language displayed, Clothing that is too tight, sheer, revealing (such as holes, rips, or tears) is prohibited.
If students DO NOT PARTICIPATE in the theme day, they are required to wear the IHPCH school uniform. Anyone not adhering to the Theme of the day will be delayed at scanning, a parent will be called or the student will be asked to get prepared for school.
Remember to dress appropriately for a school environment! LET'S HAVE FUN!! 🎉
WEEK GUIDELINES:
Matcha & Quarterzip Monday * 12/15
- Come dressed in your best quarterzips (NO Niketechs allowed!) and a matcha (or two) in hand…bonus if it’s an IHPCH quarterzip!
- We suggest khakis, slacks, or knee-length pleated skirts, to be paired with this for the full look!
Teacher & Student Swap Tuesday * 12/16
Student Version 👩🎓👨🎓:
- Dress like a teacher for the day, think cardigans, clipboards, or even glasses, or whatever your favorite teacher would wear!
- Have fun with it: try the “I’ll wait” stare or the “classic” teacher walk.
- Keep it school-appropriate!
Teacher Version 👩🏫👨🏫:
- Dress like a student, think Essential hoodies, Lulu jackets, backpacks, sneakers, whatever your students wear to class.
- Extra points for “I totally did my homework…” energy
- Keep it fun!
Men in Black Wednesday * 12/17 🕴
- Staying on the professional pipeline, we don’t just wear quarter zips, but suits as well! Come dressed in your best suit (all Black of course), because… “we are the Men [and Women] in Black”.
House Wars Thursday * 12/18
- IHPCH’s houses: Emerald, Ruby, Amethyst, Sapphire, & Onyx, as you know go toe to toe each year to declare who is the most superior out of the lower (9th & 10th) and upper (11th & 12th) houses!
- Students must wear their house shirts for THEIR house (not one that isn’t!)
- Appropriate bottoms are permitted! (Ex. Non-ripped jeans, knee-length skirts, sweatpants, etc). You know what’s appropriate!
Villains Vs. Superheroes Friday* 12/19
- Marvel fan? DC fan? Now is your time to shine! ✨ Dress up (appropriately) as your favorite superhero 🦸♀️ or villain 🦹♀️ from any comic, TV show, or movie you love!
- Being a duo is always fun, you’re free to dress up with your friends, partners, whoever, so have fun!
- Please make sure your costume is appropriate. This means no exposed cleavage/chest, bottoms that are to the knee or past it, nothing overt (this isn’t a Halloween party!)
Matching PJ’s Monday * 12/22
- Bring some coordination to the week by matching pajamas with a friend(s)!
- Go for cozy sets, matching patterns, etc. 👯♀️
- Keep everything school-appropriate so you’re matching in style, not in ‘dress-code’ violations…
Holiday PJ’s Tuesday * 12/23
- Show off your festive side with holiday or winter-themed pajamas.
- Seasonal prints, fun accessories, and warm layers are all fair game.
- Make sure your pajamas are still classroom-ready, festive doesn’t mean forgetting the basics!
IHPCH Alumni Day 2025!
We invite all IHPCH alumni to join us for Alumni Day on December 19, 2025, from 10:00 AM–12:30 PM. This event is a chance to reconnect with the school, share your journey, and inspire current students. If you’re interested in attending, please scan the QR code and complete the registration form. We look forward to welcoming you back!