Special to IFN
Staff and community members gathered at the entrance of Iredell Memorial Hospital on Wednesday to pay tribute to the selflessness of organ and tissue donors across the nation during a special flag raising ceremony.
In observance of National Donate Life Month, Iredell Health System hosted the ceremony, followed by a moment of silence, to honor and celebrate the profound impact of organ and tissue donors.
“This morning, we recognize the strength and courage of those waiting,” said Emily Tokarz, donation coordinator with HonorBridge. “We honor the hundreds of North Carolina donors and donor families who have so selflessly given the gift of life and healing through organ, eye, and tissue donation.”
Allison “Bubba” Simmons, director of Pastoral Care at Iredell Health System, shared a poem from Emma Marie Atwell.
“When you feel sad and life seems so blue, just remember that my spirit has its arms around
you.”
During 2024, HonorBridge had 350 organ donors, saving 815 lives, and a record-shattering 1,372 tissue donors. Additionally, 258 organs were recovered for research purposes.
At Iredell Memorial Hospital, there have been 84 donors in the last three years – 41 eye donors, 37 tissue donors, and six organ donors.
“Nationally, there are over 100,000 men, women, and children on the transplant waiting list, 3,000 of which are in North Carolina. One donor can save eight lives. Throughout April, please make it your mission to speak to at least one person about registering their decision to become a donor,” remarked John Green, Iredell Health System president & CEO.
Since 2006, the Donate Life flag has become a national symbol of unity, remembrance, and hope while honoring those touched by organ, eye, and tissue donation and transplantation. Over 50,000 Donate Life flags have flown across the nation.
Become a Donor
You can say ‘YES’ to becoming an organ, eye, and tissue donor at the DMV, and a red heart will be placed on your driver’s license. Alternatively, you can register online at honorbridge.org/registerme. Once registered, make sure to share your life-saving decision with loved ones.
About Iredell Health System
Iredell Health System includes Iredell Memorial Hospital; Iredell Davis Medical Center; Iredell Davis Behavioral Health Hospital; Iredell Mooresville; Iredell Home Health; Iredell Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center; Community and Corporate Wellness; Occupational Medicine; the Iredell Physician Network and more. Iredell Memorial Hospital is the largest and only nonprofit hospital in Iredell County. The comprehensive healthcare organization has 391 licensed beds; close to 2,000 employees; and has approximately 365 healthcare providers representing various specialties. Centers of excellence include Women’s and Children’s; Cardiovascular; Cancer; Surgical Services and Wellness & Prevention. The health system’s Iredell Mooresville campus is home to the area’s only 24-hour urgent care facility, as well as an ambulatory surgery center, imaging center, rehabilitation services, and physician practices. The mission of Iredell Health System is to inspire wellbeing. For a comprehensive list of services and programs, visit www.iredellhealth.org.