Saratoga Hospital flies flag to honor organ donors

by Cathleen F. Crowley, Health Reporter

In 2011, Saratoga Hospital will hoist a “Donate Life” flag every time the hospital facilitates an organ donation. The flag will then be given to the donor’s family in memory of their loved one. The hospital is partnering with Center for Donation & Transplant to honor individuals who donate organ or tissues.

The hospital will also fly the flag during National Donate Life Month in April to help increase awareness of the life-saving benefits of organ and tissue donation.

“Donors and their families truly are unsung heroes,” said Angelo Calbone, Saratoga Hospital president and CEO. “During a time of great loss, they reach out and give the gift of life to someone they’ve never even met.

“By flying the flag, we publicly acknowledge this most selfless, most inspiring act,” he added. “We hope, too, that we encourage others to follow the example of our donors and their family members.”

Right now, more than 100,000 U.S. patients are waiting for life-saving transplants. On average, 18 will die every day due to the lack of transplantable organs. One donor can save or enhance the life of up to 50 people.

CDT is the federally designated non-profit organization that coordinates the retrieval of donated organs and tissues at 46 hospitals throughout western Vermont and northeastern New York State.