Bassett Healthcare Network to Honor Organ Donors by Raising Flag

Bassett Healthcare Network is now honoring organ donors by raising a donation flag on the flagpole outside of Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown for a period of one week following a donation.

“Nationally, every ten minutes, someone is added to the organ donation list and there are currently over 105,000 individuals on the waiting list. Organ and tissue donation is a highly personal and selfless act. Raising a flag is a small yet tremendous way to not only honor the donor but also their loved ones during such a difficult time,” said Staci Thompson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Bassett Healthcare Network.

According to the Health Resources & Services Administration, all people should consider themselves potential organ, eye, and tissue doors. Age, race, ethnicity, religion, or health (in most cases) do not matter. There is no age limit for organ donation—the health of the organs is most important.

The idea originated with Areanna Shedd, a registered nurse in Bassett’s Intensive Care Unit, who is also a part of the Donor Council with Center for Donation and Transplant (CDT).

Please visit Donate Life America or organdonor.gov to learn more about organ donation.