HCA Florida North Florida Hospital hosts Donate Life Month flag raising ceremony

Press release from HCA Florida North Florida Hospital

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – HCA Florida North Florida Hospital hosted a special flag raising ceremony today to thank the families of organ donors and honor their loved ones as well as the healthcare professionals who make the gift of life possible.

Among the speakers at the event was living donor Tracy Foote, who donated a kidney to a family friend.

“Organ donation is important to me because it is a chance to give back to someone in need, and it saves lives,” said Foote. “I hope that by bringing awareness to organ donation, others will be inspired to sign up as donors and give the gift of life.” 

HCA Florida Healthcare celebrates National Donate Life Month throughout April to encourage people to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors and to honor those who have saved countless lives through donation. In 2024, HCA Florida North Florida Hospital had 10 organ donors who helped save the lives of 18 people.

“It is inspiring and incredibly meaningful to be able to help facilitate an individual’s final wish to allow another to live a healthier life through the gift of organ donation,” said Madeleine Harrington, nursing director of the HCA Florida North Florida Hospital Medical Intensive Care Unit. “One organ donor can save up to eight lives. Please consider registering as an organ donor and sharing your wishes with your family.”  

Living donation offers another option for kidney or liver transplant candidates, and it saves two lives: the recipient and the next one on the deceased organ waiting list. Kidney or liver patients who are able to receive a living donor transplant may be able to receive the organ much sooner, often before becoming too sick or starting dialysis. HCA Healthcare is one of the nation’s leading providers of living organ transplants.

Currently there are about 115,000 children and adults on a waiting list for a lifesaving transplant, according to Donate Life Florida. For more information, please visit hcafloridahealthcare.com/specialties/transplant-services.