RCH hosts annual flag raising ceremony for Donate Life Month

Riverside, Calif. — Riverside Community Hospital hosted a special flag raising ceremony today, in partnership with OneLegacy, the largest organ, eye and tissue procurement organization in the United States, to honor those who have given the ultimate gift of life by being organ and tissue donors.

“There are more than 20,000 people in California who are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, but there are simply not enough donors to meet the growing need,” said Annette Greenwood, chief nursing officer at Riverside Community Hospital. “This April, we have joined OneLegacy to help bring hope and light to those who are waiting by sharing the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation with our staff, patients and their families.”

A single organ donor can save the lives of up to eight people and improve the lives of as many as 75 more by donating their corneas and tissue. More than 46,000 lifesaving transplants were performed in the United States in 2023, an increase of nearly nine percent from 2022. However, the need for lifesaving transplants continues.

National Donate Life Month recognizes the generosity of those who have saved and healed lives by becoming donors, while also highlighting the critical need for more people to register as donors.

“Organ, eye and tissue donation is one of the highest expressions of compassion and generosity,” said Prasad Garimella, chief executive officer of OneLegacy. “We are grateful to partner with Riverside Community Hospital to champion the Donate Life cause by sharing the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation and hosting special events this month in honor of Donate Life month.”

Speakers at the ceremony included LuCyndi Ramirez, senior vice president of external partnerships, OneLegacy and John Whalen, OneLegacy ambassador. Mr. Whalen shared his story of receiving a lifesaving liver transplant and the connection he has built with the family of his organ donor.

The ceremony concluded with the Riverside Fire Department and Riverside Community Hospital Public Safety raising the Donate Life Flag. “This flag that will fly over the hospital during the month of April not only raises awareness about the importance of organ donation but also remembers and honors families who have had loved ones give the ultimate gift of life,” said Mr. Whalen.

About OneLegacy

OneLegacy is the non-profit organization dedicated to saving lives through organ, eye and tissue donation in the seven-county greater Los Angeles area. With more than 215 hospitals, 11 transplant centers and a diverse population of nearly 20 million, OneLegacy is the largest organ, eye and tissue recovery organization in the world.