PennDOT Encourages Saving Lives through Organ Donation

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 8, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With April marking National Donate Life Month, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today reminded driver's license and identification card holders that spending a few minutes online to register as an organ donor can help another person live a fuller, longer life. 

"Potential donors considering adding the organ donor designation to their driver's license or identification card do not have to wait for their renewal notices to take action," said acting PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards.  "Many Pennsylvanians have already taken the time to potentially save a life by generously volunteering to become organ donors."

Over 46 percent of driver's license and identification card holders are registered organ donors – that's more than 4.5 million Pennsylvanians. More than 8,500 Pennsylvanians currently await organ transplants.

To add the organ donor designation to an existing driver's license or identification card today, visit www.dmv.state.pa.us and select the "Donate Life Pennsylvania" icon at the bottom of the page. Once the designation is added, individuals will receive a designation card that they will have to carry with them to affirm organ donor status until they renew or replace their driver's license or identification card. There is no charge for adding the designation to your driver's license or identification card.

Driver's license and identification card holders can also support organ donation programs by donating $1 to the Robert P. Casey Memorial Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Trust Fund at the time of application and/or renewal. Registered vehicle owners may also contribute $1 to the fund when renewing their registration. Proceeds from the fund are used to educate and promote awareness of the organ donor program through non-profit organizations like the Center for Organ Recovery and Education and the Gift of Life Donor Program. Since 1995, Pennsylvanians have generously donated more than $12 million to the fund.

Ongoing efforts to increase awareness of organ and tissue donation include video monitors featuring educational content at 20 PennDOT driver's license centers. More information on organ and tissue donation in Pennsylvania can be found at www.donatelifepa.org. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Mike Moser, 717-787-0458 or Craig Yetter 717-705-1092

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

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