Circleville, Ohio — OhioHealth Berger Hospital held its annual Donate Life flag-raising ceremony on April 23, joining hospitals across the country in recognizing April as National Donate Life Month. The event brought together hospital staff and representatives from Lifeline of Ohio to honor organ, eye and tissue donors and promote awareness about the life-saving power of donation.
This year’s ceremony featured remarks from Sarah Whitley, a Lifeline of Ohio Ambassador and two-time double lung transplant recipient, who spoke about her journey and the generous donors who made her second chance at life possible.
“Donate Life Month is a time of education and advocacy. It gives us an opportunity to encourage others to say ‘yes’ to donations that save and heal lives”, said Casey Liddy, president of Berger Hospital, speaking at the event. “We’re honored to support Donate Life month alongside Lifeline of Ohio.”
The ceremony also included remarks from representatives of Lifeline of Ohio, a moment of silence and the presentation of a DoNation recognition certificate — a national award acknowledging Berger’s commitment to advancing organ, eye and tissue donation through advocacy, education, and compassionate care.
In addition to the annual flag-raising tradition, Berger recently unveiled its new Tree of Life honoring placenta donors. Located in the hospital’s maternity unit, the Tree of Life symbolizes the healing impact of these donations, which provide grafts used in wound care and surgical recovery.
Each leaf placed on the tree represents a mother’s choice to give the gift of healing after a planned cesarean birth. The program — supported by Lifeline of Ohio — is led by Berger’s maternity team, including Nurse Manager Mary Echard and RN Sarah Eberts, who was inspired by a personal connection to donation.
“It’s incredible to think that something given at birth can help someone in need,” said Eberts.
Berger Hospital encourages community members to talk with their loved ones about organ donation and to register as donors by visiting www.lifelineofohio.org.
