Pennsylvanians Urged to Register as Organ Donors in 2015

Still looking to make a resolution in 2015?

Pennsylvania Physician General Dr. Carrie DeLone is urging state residents to “Resolve to Register” to become organ and tissue donors.

“This is a time when many of us consider resolutions and actions we can take to better ourselves, our families and our communities in the New Year,” DeLone said. “I’d like to personally ask all Pennsylvanians who perhaps have been considering registering but have not yet done so, to ‘Resolve to Register’ and join the millions of Pennsylvanians who already have said ‘yes’ to organ and tissue donation. Unlike other resolutions that may take weeks or months to accomplish, this is one New Year’s Resolution that’s easy to keep – and you can get it done in just 30 seconds.”

One organ and tissue donor can save or enhance the lives of more than 50 people, DeLone said.

Every day in the United States 21 people die while waiting for organs, the Physician General’s Office said. In Pennsylvania, more than 8,500 people are on the waiting list for organ transplants.

Most people register to be an organ and tissue donor while getting or renewing their driver’s licenses, but anyone can register any time at www.DonateLifePA.org.

“Most Pennsylvanians agree being an organ and tissue donor is the right thing to do,” DeLone said. “Yet less than half of licensed drivers in the state are actually registered donors. Let’s together resolve to change that in 2015. Our friends and neighbors are counting on us to be there for them. We hope they’ll be there for us should we need them.”