Crawford County raised a new flag at the County Administration Building on April 14 in recognition of National Donate Life Month.

The flag raising was a coordinated effort with other communities across the country, according to Jennifer Schroeder, the coroner and medical examiner liaison for Versiti.

Moments before the Donate Life flag went up, she said, "In just a few moments, we will join hospitals, businesses and communities across the country in raising the Donate Life flag. Together, we will pause to honor organ, tissue and eye donors and their families; recognize transplant recipients whose lives have been changed; and shine a light on the life-saving power of donation... It's a time to raise awareness, inspire conversations and encourage individuals to register as organ, tissue and eye donors."

The Donate Life flag was first used by Donate Life America in 2006. Schroeder said it has since become a symbol for the hope organ donation inspires. "Over the past 20 years, more than 100,000 Donate Life flags have flown across the country. Each one represents lives touched by donation and transplants.”

The flag was raised at 1:08 p.m. to symbolize how one donor can help save eight people's lives. Following the flag raising, a 14-second silence was observed to honor more than 1,400 people in Wisconsin currently waiting for a lifesaving transplant.

Claudia Mathis also spoke at the ceremony. Her brother, Brayden, passed away in 2025. "Today I stand before you with a heavy heart and a heart full of gratitude. I'm here to remember my brother Brayden, [whom] we lost at just 22 years old, and to share how his story continues to live on in a powerful way.

"Brayden was an organ donor, and because of that one decision — even in the midst of such tragedy — he was able to save and change multiple lives. People who were waiting, hoping for a second chance were given that chance because of him."

"We invite each of you to keep this conversation going beyond today," said Schroeder. "Challenge yourself to speak with at least one person about organ donation. If they're not registered, encourage them to take that step."

Versiti Organ, Tissue and Eye Donation is a 75-year-old nonprofit health organization that "brings together donors, scientists, clinicians and community partners to ensure that every donation reaches the people who need it most." It began in Southeast Wisconsin and now operates in five states, including Illinois, Ohio and Indiana.