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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – HARRISBURG, Pa., April 1, 2014 — PennDOT encourages driver license and identification holders to help others in need of organ and tissue transplants live longer, better lives by registering to be an organ donor during National Donate Life Month in April.
Nearly 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.
“Potential donors can take action today to add the organ donor designation to their license or identification card, rather than waiting for renewal time,” said PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch. “The 90 seconds you spend online requesting the designation for your license or identification card could potentially save a life.”
To add the organ donor designation to an existing driver’s license or identification card today, visitwww.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, as well as registered vehicle owners, 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, renewal or replacement. 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. Pennsylvanians have generously donated more than $11.5 million to the fund to date.
As part of ongoing efforts to increase awareness of organ and tissue donation, video monitors featuring educational content are installed at 20 PennDOT driver’s license centers. More information on organ and tissue donation in Pennsylvania can be found at www.donatelife-pa.org.
Web Site: http://www.dmv.state.pa.us
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