-CORE to Encourage Organ Donor Designations at Local Flower Shops-

WHO: The Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE)

 

WHAT: National Donor Day is Feb. 14, and what better way to spread the love this Valentine’s Day than by registering to become an organ, tissue and cornea donor?

CORE will be on site at a variety of area flower shops to encourage organ donation signups. Individuals who present their driver’s license indicating that they are already a designated donor will receive a carnation.

Additionally, CORE volunteers who have been impacted by donation will be on hand to share their personal stories and encourage individuals to register to become an organ donor.

WHEN:
Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015

WHERE:

Altoona *NOTE: The Altoona event will take place on Friday, 2/13.
Peterman’s Florist (608 North 4th Avenue): 9am-12pm

 

Canonsburg
Shop N’ Save Canonsburg Floral Dept. (617 West Pike Street #1): 10am-2pm

 

Corry
From Me to You Flowers & Gifts (11 South Center Street): 9am-2pm

 

Erie
Cathy’s Flower Shoppe (2417 Peninsula Drive): 9am-5pm
Beth’s Flowers and Hearts (311 Main Street West): 9am-4pm

DETAILS: Share the love this Valentine’s Day and encourage others to sign up to become a donor by using #GotHeart.  For more stories about those touched by heart donation or transplantation this Valentine’s Day, visit our Facebook page.

Nationally, more than 123,000 people are awaiting an organ transplant. At least 21 will die each day without receiving one, and someone is added to the organ transplant list every 10 minutes. To register to become a donor, visit www.core.org.

PHOTOS & INTERVIEWS:  To attend a flower shop event and interview a CORE representative or a CORE volunteer impacted by organ donation, please contact Elizabeth Bacheson at elizabeth.bacheson@elias-savion.com or 412-642-7700.

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.