If you could save eight lives in just 30 seconds, would you do it? That's how long it takes to become an organ donor in Pennsylvania. Just one donor can save up to eight lives and improve the quality of life of more than 75 people.
As we celebrate Donate Life Month, PennDOT is encouraging all Pennsylvanians to take those 30 seconds and register to become an organ donor. It's easy and can be done at any time — not just when you get or renew your license or ID.
More than 48 percent of current driver's license and ID card holders are registered organ donors — that's more than 4.77 million Pennsylvanians. More than 7,500 Pennsylvanians currently await organ transplants.
Organ donation is so important. Each day, 20 people in the United States die while waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. And every 10 minutes, another person's name is added to the national waiting list. And anyone can register to be a donor, regardless of age or medical history.
There are many myths and misconceptions about donation, like preferential treatment for certain people on the waiting list or doctors not performing life-saving maneuvers if they know you are a donor. These things simply are not true. Read more about common organ donation myths, and the truth behind them, at Donate Life Pennsylvania's Myths & Misconceptions page.
To add the organ donor designation to an existing driver's license or ID card today, visit the Donate Life PA page and provide your driver's license or ID number, birthdate, and last four digits of your Social Security number. Once the designation is added, individuals will receive a designation card that they must carry with them to affirm organ donor status until they renew or replace their driver's license or ID card. There is no charge for adding the designation to your driver's license or ID card.
For more information on organ donation in Pennsylvania, visit the Donate Life Pennsylvania website.
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