Ulster County to Host Organ Donation Flag Raising Event

Ceremony aims to boost enrollment in New York's organ donor registry

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:19pm

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A minimalist, neon-outlined heart shape pulsing with energy against a dark background, conceptually illustrating the vital role of organ donation.A symbolic representation of the lifesaving potential of organ donation, as Ulster County works to boost enrollment in the state's donor registry.Kingston Today

The Ulster County Clerk's Office and Donate Life New York State will host a 'Raise the Flag for Life' ceremony on Friday, April 17, at 10:30 a.m. at the Ulster County Office Building in Kingston, New York. The event will raise a Donate Life flag to encourage enrollment in the New York State Donate Life Registry and highlight the lifesaving impact of organ, eye, and tissue donation.

Why it matters

While organ transplants have saved thousands of lives in New York, there is still a significant shortage, with 8,000 state residents remaining on the national waitlist and roughly 300 people dying annually while waiting for a transplant. This event aims to raise awareness and drive more people to register as organ donors.

The details

The flag-raising ceremony will feature speakers from the Ulster County Clerk's Office and Donate Life New York State. An informational table will also be set up in the lobby of the Ulster County Office Building throughout the morning, providing educational materials, giveaways, and refreshments to encourage community members to sign up as organ donors.

  • The 'Raise the Flag for Life' ceremony will take place on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.

The players

Donate Life New York State

A non-profit organization that works to increase organ, eye, and tissue donation and transplantation in New York State.

Taylor Bruck

The Ulster County Clerk, who is encouraging community members to consider registering as organ donors.

Aisha Tator

The Executive Director of Donate Life New York State, who said the goal is to have Donate Life flags waving atop all county government buildings throughout the state.

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What they’re saying

“Our goal is to have Donate Life flags waving atop all county government buildings throughout our state. Waving these flags helps create a culture of donation and brings hope to the thousands of New Yorkers awaiting a transplant.”

— Aisha Tator, Executive Director, Donate Life New York State

“Organ donation is something that touches so many families, often in moments of both profound loss and incredible hope. Many of us know someone who has waited for a transplant or whose life was saved because of one generous decision. Taking a minute to register is a simple act, but it has the power to give someone else more time, more memories, and more life.”

— Taylor Bruck, Ulster County Clerk

What’s next

Residents age 16 and older can enroll in the New York State Donate Life Registry through the Department of Motor Vehicles, online at donatelifenys.org, when registering to vote, or through other state programs.

The takeaway

This event highlights the critical need for more organ donors in New York and provides an opportunity for community members to easily sign up and potentially save lives. By raising awareness and making registration accessible, the county hopes to grow the donor pool and give hope to those awaiting transplants.