More than 50 events will raise awareness for organ, tissue and cornea donation

PITTSBURGH, April 3, 2018 – Nationally, 115,000 people are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, including 2,500 in western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. At least 20 will die each day without receiving an organ transplant. Someone is added to the transplant waiting list every 10 minutes.

During National Donate Life Month the Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) will join hospital and community partners to raise awareness for organ, tissue and cornea donation. More than 50 events are scheduled across CORE’s service area, which includes greater Pittsburgh, Erie and Johnstown/Altoona. Employees and volunteers as well as donor family members and recipients will attend the events to encourage more people to become an organ, tissue and cornea donor. For every person who donates their organs, tissue and corneas, eight lives can be saved and up to 75 lives can be dramatically improved.

“Donate Life Month provides an opportunity to remind ourselves that this is what a hero looks like. They’re sons and daughters yearning for more time with their moms. They’re dads and moms who know their daughters gave all they had to offer. They choose life. They choose organ donation,” said Susan Stuart, president and CEO, CORE. “We also recognize the healthcare professionals who are also heroes. Their hard work, ingenuity and compassion provide the precious gift of life to countless people.”

Approximately 11,000 people die annually who are considered medically suitable to donate organs, tissue and corneas, yet only a fraction donate. Anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race or medical history.

To sign up, visit www.core.org/register.