Woodsville, NH – Cottage Hospital has been observing Donate Life programs for the past 10 years, usually by raising a special Donate Life flag out in front of the hospital on Swiftwater Road, then later in the week or month, a different special event would be observed.
This year they raised the Donate Life flag in the usual robustly breezy April noon time program and for their second event, they held a special red maple tree planting across Swiftwater Road on the rolling lawns of the Rowe Building, where a group of Cottage Hospital employees gathered around while CEO Holly McCormack placed the first shovel full of loam onto the tree's root ball, to the cheers of those watching.
This commemorative tree planting honored hospital staff and community members who have given or received gifts of life through the donation program that is so popular throughout the nation.
According to hospital officials "The tree stands as a symbol of hope, strength and the lasting impact of generosity, because, like a red maple tree, strength (and trees) come in all sizes. We all look forward to watching this tree grow alongside our organization, rooted in giving and a reminder of the lived forever connected through a program of donation."
According to Cottage Hospital, New England Donor Services, the federally designated nonprofit organization responsible for coordinating organ and tissue donation across the region, presented donor participation awards to hospitals that go above and beyond in supporting donor awareness and education. Recipients are selected based on their dedication to best practices, collaboration, staff engagement, and meaningful efforts to increase public understanding of organ and tissue donation. This includes initiatives such as educational programs, community outreach events, and awareness campaigns designed to inform and empower individuals to register as donors.
According to Cottage Hospital Community Relations Director Kuba Kubkowski, assisting CEO McCormack with the program and organizing the Donate Life events at the hospital was Quality Director and Donate Life Liaison Kelly Hussey.
It was a busy time at the hospital as they celebrated Donate Life programs. National Donate Life Month and hospital programs reminded the community of the tremendous impact of organ, eye and tissue donations and the power of giving the gift of life.
During the week, Cottage Hospital held its annual Donate Life flag raising, which brought the staff together in a meaningful show of support, they said. As part of the special moment, they also wrote messages of hope, filling each of them with gratitude, remembrance and encouragement for those whose lives have been touched by donations.
They offered that "we are so grateful to our staff who took the time to come out, reflect, and stand together in support of this important cause. Their compassion and commitment help keep hope growing in the community."
One donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others. Behind every donation is a story of hope, resilience and strength shown by the community for those waiting on a transplant list, it can mean more time with loved ones and more moments that truly matter.
They said that at Cottage Hospital they recognized Donate Life month to help educate the community and shine a light on the lifesaving impact of donations. They noted it is time to learn, reflect and honor the individual and families whose decisions have made a lasting difference. Together, they recognized the power of giving, and their lives were forever changed because of it, they said.

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