In preparation of Pennsylvania’s second annual PA Donor Day on Jan. 8, Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine is urging all Pennsylvanians to participate and register as organ and tissue donors through Donate Life Pennsylvania, the state’s online donation registry.
“The need for registered donors in Pennsylvania is now greater than ever; fewer people have registered as organ donors in 2020 than in previous years,” Levine said. “Registering to be an organ and tissue donor has the potential to save many lives and can take only a few seconds. Organ and tissue transplants have become an integral part of healthcare in the state and across the nation, so I am encouraging Pennsylvanians to register as an organ donor and learn more about the importance of organ and tissue donation.”
Nearly 7,000 Pennsylvanians are among the more than 100,000 Americans currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. The significance of PA Donor Day on Jan. 8 serves as a reminder that one donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and enhance the lives of 75 others through tissue and corneal donation.
“More than 36,000 men, women and children are expected to receive a second chance at life this year through the gift of organ donation,” said Howard M. Nathan, president and CEO of Gift of Life Donor Program. “If every potential donor was registered, thousands of more lives would be saved in the U.S. each year. Registered donors make a difference and create positive momentum around this critical public health issue. We are grateful for those employers, organizations and individuals who are already planning to participate in our second annual PA Donor Day and encourage all Pennsylvanians to join us in saving lives.”
Visit donatelifepa.org for more information.
