Organ and tissue donors are being honored Tuesday at St. Elizabeth's hospital. 

The hospital, along with LifeBanc, held a "Donate Life" flag raising ceremony Tuesday morning to pay tribute to the hospital's organ donors.

According to a news release, St. Elizabeth's increased organ donation rates by nearly 40 percent in 2008.

Gordon Bowen, chief executive officer of LifeBanc, said St. Elizabeth's focuses on the needs of the patients.

"St. Elizabeth is a best practice life-saving hospital leading the way in Ohio. It is one of many hospitals that recognize the patient's wishes to save others' lives and the value of donation," Bowen said.

 45 percent of licensed drivers and state I.D. holders are registered to donate organs and tissue.

Statewide, the average is 54.5 percent.