Organ donors honored at flag-raising ceremony

Coroner’s office coordinated first-ever event

The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office hosted the first-ever flag-raising ceremony in honor of organ and tissue donors on April 11, in partnership with Gift of Life Donor

Program, the region’s organ and tissue procurement organization.

The event gathered Gift of Life leaders as well as state and county representatives to celebrate their collaboration and encourage organ and tissue donation in the county. Coinciding with Donate Life Month, a national observance in support of organ donation awareness, the ceremony also spotlighted the stories of organ recipients whose lives were saved by donation.

“We are happy to partner with the Gift of Life program to help change lives while offering dignity and respect to our deceased and their loved ones,” said Dr. Janine Darby, Montgomery County coroner. “As we work to bring closure to their loved ones, they also have the chance to honor and remember their departed family members by giving back. They are providing someone with a second chance at life.”

In addition to the coroner, ceremony attendees heard from state Rep. Joe Webster; Gift of Life President and Chief Executive Officer Richard D. Hasz Jr.; and heart and liver recipient Patrick Brett, among others.

“We thank the Montgomery County coroner’s office for honoring donor heroes and for working with Gift of Life to support families who face a tragic loss,” said Hasz. “Working together, our vital collaboration ensures donor