Pennsylvania leaders, health professionals, and families impacted by organ donation gathered Friday at UPMC West Shore to mark PA Donor Day, a statewide effort to encourage more residents to register as organ donors.
Observed annually on August 1 — symbolizing that one donor can save up to eight lives — the day aims to raise awareness about the urgent need for organ and tissue donations. More than 6,000 Pennsylvanians are currently waiting for life-saving transplants, and many die each year before finding a match.
One donor has the potential to save eight lives through organ donation and enhance as many as 75 more through tissue donation, benefiting patients recovering from injuries, burns, and vision loss. Despite these life-saving possibilities, only about half of eligible Pennsylvanians are registered donors.
Officials emphasized that registering is simple, free, and can be done at any PennDOT driver’s license center or online. About five million residents have already signed up, but officials say expanding participation is critical.
The Shapiro Administration is partnering with schools to boost awareness among teens through the Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Project, ensuring young drivers understand their options when applying for a license.
Organ donation leaders said technology and medical advancements have made the process safer and more accessible, yet myths and misinformation remain a barrier. They urged Pennsylvanians to consider the profound impact of donation — not only saving lives but offering hope to families across the Commonwealth.
Residents can learn more or register to become donors by visiting health.pa.gov or PennDOT’s online services.
Source: pa.gov