National Donor Day, celebrated on Valentine’s Day each year, is a day focused on increasing awareness about organ donation, and the lives that can be saved through donation and transplantation. The Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) encourages everyone to observe this day by becoming a registered donor and sharing with others the impact that donors can make on the lives of others.

“Celebrated along with Valentine's Day, National Donor Day is a special time to consider giving the gift of life by registering as an organ, tissue and cornea donor,” said Susan Stuart, CEO, CORE. “It's also a time to recognize loved ones who have given the gift of organ or tissue donation, have received a transplant, or are currently waiting for one.”

This year, National Donor Day also coincides with the announcement that the commonwealth now has more than 5 million Pennsylvanians registered as organ and tissue donors – the most ever.

“This important milestone will make a difference in the lives of the more than 7,000 Pennsylvanians currently on the transplant waitlist,” said Stuart. “It’s never too late to register. It only takes 30-seconds to register online at donatelifepa.org.”

Conemaugh Health System and CORE help families through the difficult loss of a loved one while making the life-saving decision to help another individual in need. Conemaugh Health System’s Donor Advisory Committee is comprised of clinical and non-clinical staff who work together to ensure quality and safety of donors, honor loved ones lost and educate employees and the general public about the importance of registering to be a donor.

“Each and every day in Pennsylvania, selfless individuals and families make the beautiful decision to give the gift of life through organ donation, forever changing the lives of recipient families,” said Elizabeth Dunmore, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Conemaugh Health System.

Every 10 minutes, someone is told they need a life-saving transplant. With more than 100,000 people across the U.S. waiting for a transplant nearly 20 will die each day, making the need for more registered organ and tissue donors a public health crisis. National Donor Day is a great opportunity to educate and unite Pennsylvanians around the solution.

Contrary to popular misconceptions, anyone can register as an organ and tissue donor regardless of age or health. To learn more or to get involved in organ and tissue donation visit donatelifepa.org and follow Donate Life PA on Facebook and Instagram.

CORE is a winner of the 2019 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, a presidential-level award that recognizes non-profits for their innovation and excellence. For more information, visit www.core.org or call 1-800-DONORS-7.