During the month of April, Houston Medical Center and Perry Hospital will fly the Donate Life flag in recognition of Donate Life month. The Donate Life flag is a symbol of unity and hope, and honors and celebrates the hundreds of thousands of donors and recipients whose lives have been affected by organ, eye and tissue donation.

“We know that organ and tissue donation can save and improve lives in our community, across Georgia, and our nation. At Houston Healthcare, we’ve seen the positive impact of organ and tissue donations on our patients and their families,” said Charles Briscoe, Chief Operating Officer for Houston Healthcare. “Our hospitals are happy to fly the Donate Life flag in support of this life-changing effort. Joining the Donor Registry gives hope to those in need of organ and tissue transplants, while leaving a legacy of generosity for the donor and his or her family.”

One organ donor can potentially save the lives of eight people, and improve the lives of 70 more through tissue donation. Last year, more than 33,000 lives were saved throughout the country thanks to organ donation, more than ever before, and thousands more were improved through tissue transplantation. Sadly, 22 people die each day because of a lack of available organs for transplant. Today, more than 118,000 men, women and children are waiting for donations; more than 5,500 patients waiting in Georgia alone.

Throughout the month, numerous hospitals and municipalities across the country are holding flag-raising ceremonies and various activities in conjunction with Donate Life America’s national Flags across America celebration which began in 2009. The initiative rallies every donor hospital and transplant center, as well as all recovery agencies, to collectively fly the Donate Life flag during April. Houston Healthcare is proud to participate in this initiative.

To learn more about organ and tissue donation and to register your donation decision, visit www.lifelinkfoundation.org.