St. Mary’s Healthcare “Raises the Flag” for Life To Encourage Organ Donation

AMSTERDAM, N.Y., April 30, 2025—St. Mary’s Healthcare joined organizations across the United States in “raising the flag for life” to acknowledge the lifesaving gifts of organ, eye and tissue donors—and encourage others to become donors, too.

The flag raising ceremonies marked National Donate Life Month, held in April to focus attention on the need for and importance of organ donation. More than 100,000 people are on the national

waiting list for organ transplants, and another person is added every eight minutes. Seventeen die each day, still waiting.

A single organ donor can save up to eight lives and, through tissue donation, can enhance the lives of up to 75 more individuals.

“Organ donors are unsung heroes who give the gift of life to people they will never meet. Their donation is an act of profound generosity and impact,” said Stacey Warner, resuscitation quality management specialist at St. Mary’s Healthcare, and the hospital’s liaison with the Center for Donation & Transplant.

In addition to the flag raising, St. Mary’s and other participating healthcare organizations acknowledge organ donors with an honor walk at the time of donation. St. Mary’s team members line the hallway and bow their heads in respect as the donor is wheeled to the operating suite.

Warner suggested another way to recognize donors’ contributions. “One of the best ways to honor organ donors is to follow their example,” she said. “We encourage you not only to register as an organ donor but also to let your loved ones know so they can honor your wishes when the time comes.”

New Yorkers ages 16 and older can register at donatelifenys.org/register.

About St. Mary’s Healthcare, Amsterdam: St. Mary’s Healthcare has been providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare to the people of Montgomery and Fulton counties since 1903. At St. Mary’s Hospital, the Rao Outpatient Pavilion and other locations, the local, independent healthcare system offers the comprehensive, critical services its community needs and deserves. For more information: (518) 842-1900, www.smha.org or www.facebook.com/smha.org.

Contact:

Kristin Mosher
Director, Marketing and Communications
St. Mary’s Healthcare, Amsterdam
(518) 770-7505
kristin.mosher@nysmha.org