Breaking the Barrier: Why More People Should Register as Organ Donors Amidst Shocking Wait Times and the Life-Saving Potential of Donation

The federal government has stated that organ donation can save up to eight lives and enhance more than 75, as reported in a recent study. However, despite this potential impact, there are over 103,000 people on the national transplant waiting list. That’s why it is crucial to raise awareness about the importance of registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor.

To promote this message, employees, faculty, staff, and students at Penn State Health were encouraged to wear blue and green on National Donate Life Blue & Green Day. This day is part of Donate Life America’s National Donate Life Month, which aims to encourage people to take action towards organ donation.

Penn State Health actively supports organ donation efforts each year through various initiatives such as the Transplant team leading a Donate Life flag-raising ceremony on the medical campus. In 2024, this event featured area patients who received transplants at Penn State Health. One patient received a liver transplant on Christmas Day while another mother and daughter both underwent heart transplants.

For those interested in becoming an organ donor, Penn State Health offers a convenient registration process that can help save lives and promote the importance of organ donation.