National Donate Life Month (NDLM) is observed annually in April, a tradition that began in 2003 through the efforts of Donate Life America and its partners. The month is dedicated to raising awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation, encouraging Americans to register as donors, and honoring both donors and recipients.
The 2025 theme, “Let Life Sing,” emphasizes birds, symbolically associated with new beginnings and visits from deceased loved ones. This theme is meant to evoke a sense of peace and hope, much like the return of birds in spring.
The awareness efforts aim to help the 100,000 individuals on the national organ transplant waiting list by promoting the importance of donor registration. As part of this initiative, the Punxsutawney Area Hospital (PAH) teamed up with CORE to launch Donate Life Month with a Flag Raising Ceremony.
During the event, Kristen Stone, Director of Laboratory Services for CORE, shared important donation statistics and insights into the impact of donations. PAH employees Ben Hughes and Barb Kostok also spoke, sharing personal stories on how donation has affected their lives. Throughout April, PAH will continue its efforts to promote organ donation. For more information, interested individuals can visit www.donatelifepa.org.
