All Conemaugh Health System hospitals have once again received statewide recognition for efforts to support and raise awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation through the 2025 Donate Life Pennsylvania Hospital Challenge. 

The annual campaign, led by the Center for Organ Recovery and Education (CORE) in partnership with The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP), the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and Donate Life, encourages hospitals across the Commonwealth to inspire donor registration and increase awareness of the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation. 

All four Conemaugh Health System facilities were among the numerous hospitals recognized by CORE and HAP for their participation in this year’s challenge. Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown received titanium recognition, the highest award level, while Conemaugh Meyersdale Medical Center, Conemaugh Miners Medical Center, and Conemaugh Nason Medical Center each received platinum recognition, the second-highest award. 

“This achievement reflects our firm commitment to saving lives and supporting families through organ, tissue, and eye donation,” said Kelley Alshehri. RN and CORE Advisory Council Representative at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. “It's a testament to our staff's dedication and strong community partnerships in raising awareness and inspiring action. We are proud to lead by example and make a life-saving difference." 

To achieve recognition, hospitals demonstrate their commitment through awareness activities such as events, ceremonies, education initiatives, and community partnerships. Each effort earns points toward recognition levels, ranging from bronze to titanium. 

HAP President and CEO Nicole Stallings said, “HAP commends Pennsylvania hospitals and our partners for their terrific work to support and raise awareness about organ donation. The level of participation in the challenge shows hospital teams' commitment and dedication to their communities' health. Increasing the number of organ, eye, and tissue donors is critical to helping hospital teams save and improve lives.” 

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), more than 100,000 people in the U.S. are currently awaiting a lifesaving transplant, including nearly 7,000 people in Pennsylvania. In 2024, more than 2,100 transplants were performed in Pennsylvania; over 1,100 were kidney transplants, the most common organ transplant surgery needed.