Scotland Health Participates in Statewide HonorBridge Pause to Give Life Ceremony

Scotland Health joined hospitals and healthcare organizations across North Carolina on Wednesday morning in the HonorBridge Pause to Give Life Flag‑Raising Ceremony and Moment of Silence in recognition of organ donors and their families, as well as the thousands of individuals still waiting for a lifesaving transplant. 

The ceremony took place Wednesday, April 1, at 10:08 a.m.—a symbolic time representing the fact that one organ donor can save up to eight lives—followed by a moment of silence to honor those still waiting and to remember donors whose selfless decisions have brought hope and healing to others. The event also marked the beginning of National Donate Life Month, observed nationally throughout April. 

“At Scotland Health, we have a longstanding commitment to supporting organ, tissue, and eye donation,” said Chinna Hale, RN, Executive Director of Nursing Services. “This commitment extends to honoring donors and their families, supporting recipients whose lives have been forever changed, and advocating for nearly 3,000 North Carolinians who are still waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant.

During the ceremony, David Pope, President and CEO of Scotland Health, shared personal remarks underscoring the profound impact of donation. 

“For the people who are waiting right now—watching their number on a list—someone’s decision to donate is literally an answer to their prayers,” Pope said. “This is one of the few decisions we can make in advance that has the power to change and save lives. It’s incredibly important that we think about it, make our wishes known, and have those conversations with our families.” 

Pope also highlighted the local impact of donation, noting that in the past year at Scotland Health, 10 donors helped change lives, resulting in three organ donations, seven tissue donations, and 15 tissues recovered, ultimately benefiting 18 recipients through transplantation and research. 

The event concluded with the raising of the Donate Life flag and a benediction led by Freddie Ratliff, Director of Materials Management, who offered prayers of gratitude for donors and their families, strength for recipients, and hope for those still waiting. 

“May this flag stand as a symbol of hope, unity, and the lives forever changed through donation,” Ratliff said. 

Scotland Health is proud to stand alongside HonorBridge and healthcare partners throughout the state in support of National Donate Life Month and encourages community members to learn more about donation and register their decision to give the gift of life. 

For more information about organ, tissue, and eye donation, visit www.honorbridge.org.