Independence Health System Recognized for Supporting Organ Donation

GREENSBURG, PA., Aug. 27, 2025 – Independence Health System has earned statewide recognition for its efforts to support and raise awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation.

The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania’s (HAP) Donate Life Pennsylvania Hospital Challenge is an annual campaign that encourages hospitals across the state to promote organ, eye and tissue donation within their facilities and surrounding communities. Independence Health System is among the top three performing health systems in western Pennsylvania to be recognized in the challenge, which includes Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland hospitals.

HAP partnered with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the two organ procurement organizations serving Pennsylvania — the Center for Organ Recovery & Education and Gift of Life Donor Program — to support the initiative. 

“Being named one of the top three health systems for promoting organ donation is a tremendous honor,” said Chief Medical Officer Michael Fiorina, DO, FAAFP. “It reflects our deep commitment to the health and well-being of our community—not only through expert patient care, but also by leading initiatives like organ donation that have the power to transform and save lives.”

Each of the five hospitals of Independence Health System participated in a variety of activities throughout April to raise awareness about the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation. Efforts included flag-raising ceremonies, radio and newspaper interviews, community outreach, internal signage, and participation in the Blue and Green Day, among other initiatives.

“Hospital teams rely on organ, eye, and tissue donors to save lives and give patients a chance for a bright future,” said HAP President and CEO Nicole Stallings. “Pennsylvania hospitals and our partners have done an outstanding job of supporting and raising awareness about donation. We applaud the hospital teams who participated in our annual challenge and demonstrated their strong commitment to improving the health of their communities.” 

This year, 121 hospitals statewide participated in the challenge.

-30-

Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and 7,300 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning more than 10 counties. 

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health