Focus on Innovation:
Employee Spotlight-Robin Cowherd, Director, Donor Family Services
 What began 13 years ago as a part-time job and a professional transition has become a full-time passion for Robin Cowherd. Supporting and honoring donor families is at the heart of Cowherd's work as Director of Donor Family Services at LifeNet Health. The department was created out of the need to build a more comprehensive grief support program for donor families beyond the hospital walls.
"Without the compassionate decisions of donor families, we would not be able to do our work of saving lives and restoring health," says Cowherd. "LifeNet Health demonstrates a tremendous commitment throughout the organization – from leadership to the front lines – to supporting donor families in every possible way. Many organizations talk about wanting to provide this kind of support, but LifeNet Health backs it up with resources and staffing and a true commitment."
Robin Cowherd, Director, Donor Family Services
LL: What led you to work at LifeNet Health?
RC: Well, it was more of a calling than a career move, to be honest. At the time, I had left my corporate H.R. position and was a stay-at-home dad. I began working in a volunteer capacity through my church in a program called Stephen Ministry, which taught me how to help others who are going through difficult times. When the position at LifeNet became available, it was a perfect fit – allowing me to use my background in program development and my ministry skills while still being home part time for my kids.
LL: Tell us about some of the innovative programs at Donor Family Services.
RC: The Grief Companions program is an incredible resource. We've trained 50 donor family members to partner with new donor families and help them through the process. When you've lost a loved one, it's tremendously valuable to have someone who has "been there" before and relates to your feelings.
We also introduced a new program ("Being There" Grief and Loss Training) in which critical care nurses are trained in grief and loss so they can provide more immediate support for family members. And we continue to offer a wide range of services for anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one through our website, www.HealingTheSpirit.org.
LL: What do you enjoy most about your job?
RC: The privilege of seeing a family at the beginning of a grief journey and watching the progress they make and knowing that we played a small role in that healing journey. I get a sense of hope when I witness the way donor families, recipients and staff support one another. It's rewarding for me to know that in the midst of troubling times and difficult life experiences there are incredibly compassionate people in this world who want to help others.
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