DUBOIS – Diseases, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, or even common viruses can destroy a body’s organs.
Throughout the United States, more than 100,000 people are waiting for life-saving organ transplants.
Every day, someone in this region dies waiting for a transplant because too few people register as organ donors.
April is National Donate Life Month, an observance to help raise awareness about donation, encourage people to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and honor those that have saved lives through the gift of donation. The 2023 theme is “Make a Splash for Donate Life Month!”
People of all ages and medical histories should consider themselves potential organ, eye and tissue donors.
A person’s medical condition at the time of death will determine what organs and tissue can be donated.
Living donors should be in good overall physical and mental health and older than 18 years of age.
Some medical conditions could prevent an individual from being a living donor. Transplant programs complete a full patient evaluation to protect both living donor and recipient health and safety.
You can save up to eight lives and heal the lives of more than 75 people. Your registration serves as a symbol of hope to patients waiting, and sharing it with your family lets them know your decision.
The vast majority of Americans support donation as an opportunity to give life and health to others.
Unfortunately, many people overlook the important step of registering as a donor. Donors are often people who die suddenly and unexpectedly.
Their families are then faced with making the decision at a time of shock and grief. Registering relieves your family of this burden.
In Pennsylvania, you can sign up online at donatelifepa.org. You can also become a donor when you renew your driver’s license in person, or online at dmv.pa.gov.
Once you register, please tell your loved ones about your decision so that if the time comes, they will not be surprised and can help carry out your wishes.
If you are not already, please consider registering to become an organ, eye or tissue donor.
