Marian Regional Medical Center & OneLegacy Raise Donate Life Flag, Championing Critical Organ Donation

Santa Maria, Calif. – April 30, 2026 – Marian Regional Medical Center, in partnership with OneLegacy, hosted a poignant flag-raising ceremony on Thursday, April 30, to mark Donate Life Month. The event served as a reminder of the profound impact of organ, eye, and tissue donation and honored the generosity of donors and their families, while celebrating the recipients whose lives have been transformed.

The ceremony brought together hospital leadership, OneLegacy representatives, and community members to underscore the critical need for registered donors. Speakers highlighted the staggering statistics: currently, over 100,000 Americans are awaiting a life-saving transplant, and tragically, 17 lives are lost each day due to the shortage of available organs.

"Today's flag-raising is more than just a ceremony; it's a symbol of hope and gratitude," said Sue Anderson, President and CEO of Marian Regional Medical Center. "It’s a moment to honor the compassion of donors and their families, whose 'yes' to donation has created a ripple effect of life. It also allows us to recognize our dedicated health care teams who work alongside organizations like OneLegacy to make these miracles happen."

OneLegacy CEO Prasad Garimella spoke about the invaluable partnership with Marian Regional Medical Center, emphasizing the hospital's vital role in facilitating donations and saving lives within the community. 

A deeply moving moment of the ceremony came from OneLegacy Ambassador Rita Jackson, who shared her personal experience with organ donation. Rita recounted the heartfelt story of her daughter, Jasmine, who registered as a donor before her unexpected death at the age of 20. Through organ and tissue donation, Jasmine enhanced dozens of lives after her passing. Jackson’s powerful story brought to life the profound impact of donation, inspiring attendees and underscoring the precious gift donors provide.

The event culminated with the solemn raising of the Donate Life flag, a visual pledge to continue advocating for organ donation and supporting those whose lives have been touched by it.

Marian Regional Medical Center encourages everyone to learn more about organ, eye, and tissue donation and to register as a donor. For more information or to register, please visit www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org. Remember, one donor can save up to eight lives, offering a second chance at health and happiness to those in desperate need.

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About Marian Regional Medical Center

Marian Regional Medical Center is a state-of-the-art, 191-bed medical center located in Santa Maria, California. The modern facility offers a broad array of services, including a Level II Trauma Center, a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), a nationally recognized cardiac care center, and the Central Coast’s only Comprehensive Community Cancer Program, as recognized by the Commission on Cancer. Marian has been recognized for quality and patient safety, receiving an “A” grade in hospital safety from the Leapfrog Group.

Learn more at dignityhealth.org/marianregional.

About OneLegacy

OneLegacy is the nation’s largest Organ Procurement Organization (OPO), serving the diverse Southern California region. Working with hospitals, physicians, transplant centers, and the community, OneLegacy educates about and facilitates donation while building a community of long-term support for families who give the generous gift of life.

Register to donate at donatelifecalifornia.org/ecampaign/onelegacy.