–Events Encourage Individuals to Register to Become Organ, Tissue and Cornea Donors –

Pittsburgh, April 2, 2014 – More than 120,000 people across the country are waiting for an organ transplant, and at least 18 will die without receiving one. The Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) is joining the organ donation community in April by celebrating National Donate Life Month. CORE is encouraging people to register to become organ, tissue and cornea donors and to learn about the gift of donation by attending community events throughout the region.

As part of this observance, Friday, April 11 is National Blue and Green Day, an initiative to get people talking about organ donation, why it is important, and how easy it is to sign up. Individuals are encouraged to wear blue and green to show their support. Below is an overview of events taking place:

• Friday, April 11 (Fox Chapel): CORE will have an information table at Max & Erma’s (at the entrance of RIDC Park) to encourage organ donor sign-ups. For restaurant patrons who present this ticket, 20 percent of their food purchase will benefit CORE programs: http://ow.ly/uY73B.
• Friday, April 11 (Monroeville): From 1-3 p.m. at the Monroeville Public Library, there will be an organ donation event and presentation on organ donation – “everything you wanted to know, but where afraid to ask.”
• Saturday, April 12 (Canonsburg): An afternoon of fun and education will take place at Frank Sarris Public Library (35 North Jefferson Ave) from 12-3 p.m. Mayor David Rhome will present a proclamation, Bill Sarris of Sarris Candy will share how donation and transplantation has touched his family, along with other donor family and transplant recipients. There will also be activities for kids.

“We are pleased to celebrate National Donate Life Month with a host of events throughout the region,” said Susan Stuart, president and CEO of CORE. “The number of people in need of transplants far exceeds the number of organs, tissues and corneas that are donated, and at CORE, one of our primary goals is to help people understand the need to become an organ, tissue and cornea donor. Registering only takes about 30 seconds, but it can make the difference of a lifetime.”

Individuals are encouraged to talk with family members and friends about making the pledge to become an organ, tissue and cornea donor. One organ donor can save up to eight lives. For more information about organ, tissue and cornea donation, visit CORE’s website at www.core.org. To become a registered donor, visit www.donatelifepa.org.

Show your support and share your photos on social media this month using the hashtag #BlueAndGreen2014.

About CORE
The Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) is one of 58 federally designated not-for-profit organ procurement organizations (OPOs) in the United States. CORE works closely with donor families and designated health care professionals to coordinate the surgical recovery of organs, tissues and corneas for transplantation. CORE also facilitates the computerized matching of donated organs and placement of corneas. With headquarters in Pittsburgh and an office in Charleston, West Virginia, CORE oversees a region that encompasses 155 hospitals and almost six million people throughout western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Chemung County, NY. For more information, visit www.core.org or call 1-800-DONORS-7.