Independence Health System recognized for supporting organ donation

BUTLER, Pa., CLARION, Pa, and GREENSBURG, Pa., Aug. 25, 2026 – Independence Health System is receiving statewide recognition for its efforts to support and raise awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation.

Independence Health System is among the top-performing health systems in western Pennsylvania in The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania's (HAP) 2026 Donate Life Pennsylvania Hospital Challenge. Individually, all five participating hospitals, including Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe, and Westmoreland hospitals, also achieved Titanium status, the challenge's highest level of recognition.

The annual campaign encourages Pennsylvania hospitals to increase organ, eye, and tissue donation awareness within their hospitals and communities. 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 challenge. 

"Organ donation is one of the most profound gifts a person can give," said Michael Fiorina, DO, FAAFP, chief medical officer of Independence Health System. "We are proud of our hospitals for helping educate our communities, encouraging donor registration, and honoring the individuals and families whose generosity makes transplantation possible."

Throughout April, the five Independence Health System hospitals participated in activities designed 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 & Green Day, among other initiatives.

"Every organ, eye, and tissue donor has the power to save lives and offer hope to patients and families facing some of their most difficult moments," said HAP President and CEO Nicole Stallings. "Pennsylvania hospitals and our partners continue to lead by raising awareness about the importance of donation and encouraging more people to register as donors. We applaud the hospital teams participating in this year's challenge for their commitment to strengthening the health of their communities."

This year, 113 hospitals statewide participated in the challenge. To learn more about the services and programs offered through Independence Health System, visit independence.health.

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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 nearly 7,000 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning a multi-county region. 

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.