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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 27, 2024 04:32 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Pennsylvania Donate Life Month |
| I plan to introduce a Resolution designating the month of April 2024 as “Pennsylvania Donate Life Month.” The life-saving importance of organ donation cannot be overstated, as transplants have been recognized as a lifesaving medical procedure. In fact, it has been estimated that each person who donates organs, eyes and tissues can potentially save or enhance more than 75 lives and take 8 people off the transplant waiting list. In the United States, it is estimated that more than 103,000 people are awaiting lifesaving organ and tissue transplants and in Pennsylvania alone, there are approximately 7,000 men, women and children awaiting life-saving organ transplants. It is important to recognize that the Commonwealth has contributed significantly to the advancement of organ donation and life-saving transplants. In fact, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has 15 transplant centers and state law enables citizens to donate their organs and tissues through placing the donor designation on the driver’s licenses or State identification cards while also allowing relatives to consent to the donation of organs and tissues of a deceased family member. Thankfully, Pennsylvania remains a national and international leader in the field of donation and transplantation. However, the number of people in need of transplants far exceeds the number of organs and the amount of tissue available. Despite the progress we have made with programs and educational efforts including Pennsylvania’s Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Program, Gift of Life Donor Program and the Center for Organ Recovery and Education and their partnering hospitals and exceptional health care workers, the growing demand for donated organ and tissues for transplantation represents a true public health issue which demands action. Please join me in co-sponsoring this resolution so we can continue to educate our fellow citizens on the life-saving importance of organ and tissue donation efforts. |
Introduced as SR259