Statewide coalition and more than 100 partners call on Pennsylvanians to register as organ donors
Donate Life Pennsylvania celebrated its fifth annual PA Donor Day on Thursday, Aug. 1. This yearly observance calls on Pennsylvanians to come together to support organ, eye and tissue donation, and creates a unifying moment where we all work to educate and encourage our family, friends and neighbors to register as donors.
Donate Life PA – a collaborative initiative between the Center for Organ Recovery & Education, Gift of Life Donor Program and the Pennsylvania Departments of Health, Education and Transportation – aims to increase the number of organs, eyes and tissues available for lifesaving transplants by encouraging all Pennsylvanians to register as donors.
Knowing that eight lives can be saved by one organ donor, for the past five years Donate Life PA has celebrated PA Donor Day on Aug. 1 (8/1) to highlight the impact of organ donation. Governor Josh Shapiro also issued a proclamation officially recognizing Aug. 1, 2024 as PA Donor Day and encouraging Pennsylvanians to learn more about organ donation.
Aug. 1 also marks the beginning of National Minority Donor Awareness Month, an initiative led by the National Multicultural Organ, Eye and Tissue Action Group to help create a positive culture around organ, eye and tissue donation in diverse communities.
“Organ donation is a powerful act of generosity that has the potential to transform lives. PA Donor Day and National Minority Donor Awareness Month are crucial opportunities to raise awareness about the urgent need for more registered donors,” said Susan Stuart, CEO of CORE. “By taking just a moment to register, you can provide hope to those awaiting life-saving transplants. I encourage everyone to take this important step, share your decision with loved ones, and inspire others to do the same. Together, we can create a brighter future filled with hope and second chances.”
Currently, more than 100,000 patients are on the national transplant waiting list, including 6,500 Pennsylvanians, indicating the critical need for registered donors.
“The need for more registered organ donors is a public health crisis we all have the power to impact. PA Donor Day and National Minority Donor Awareness Month celebrate that power as we urge everyone to become an organ donor, share your decision and encourage others,” said Richard D. Hasz, Jr., MFS, CPTC, President and CEO of Gift of Life Donor Program. “Together, we can bring hope to our thousands of neighbors on the transplant waitlist.”
More than 100 organizations and individuals have expressed support for PA Donor Day by signing up as partners. This year’s partners include:
Organizations
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Individuals
Adam Schaeffer
Brian Hadix
David Robbins
Denise Robbins
Eli Vendley
Janine Smith
Jennifer Cassidy
Jim Uhrig
Mark Nolf
Rebecca Shrwader Rodgers
Shea Murtaugh
Shelly Gearhart-Lebash
Shannon Irwin
Tiffany Schaeffer
Wendy Switzer
Donate Life Pennsylvania invites all Pennsylvanians to register as organ, eye and tissue donors in honor of PA Donor Day. Individuals can learn more and easily register online at https://donatelifepa.org/register/