Independence Health System Celebrates National Donate Life Month
CLARION, Pa. – On April 9, Independence Health System (IHS) Clarion Hospital, along with The Center for Organ Recovery and Education (CORE), hosted a flag-raising ceremony to honor National Donate Life Month.
During this event, Susan Stuart, the President & CEO of CORE, emphasized the impact of organ donation by stating, ‘During National Donate Life Month, we celebrate the power of donation to save and heal lives, and the generosity of donors and their families that makes this possible.’ She also acknowledged the partnerships between CORE and local hospitals that facilitated 970 life-saving transplants in 2024, stating, ‘This month is a tribute to those who say yes to donation, bringing hope and healing to countless individuals.’
CORE, a not-for-profit organization, partners with over 150 hospitals to serve nearly five million individuals across western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Chemung County, New York. The organization manages organ, tissue, and cornea transplants within its service region.
Nationally, over 100,000 people are in need of organ transplants, with more than 6,000 waiting in Pennsylvania and over 500 in West Virginia. Each day, on average, 17 people die while waiting for a transplant.
Independence Health System initiatives aim to promote organ donation awareness throughout April, coinciding with the national celebration. ‘As a health system, we are dedicated to promoting the health and wellness of our community,’ stated Carol Fox, MD, Chief Medical Officer of IHS. ‘Encouraging organ donation is just one of many ways we can support and enhance the lives of those around us.’
The health system organized additional flag-raising ceremonies across various locations during April, and engaged listeners through local radio shows discussing donor designation and organ donation awareness.
Overall, the flag-raising ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role organ donation plays in saving lives and fostering community hope.
Comments are closed