(The Center Square) – PennDOT and the Department of Health came together to promote organ donation at one of UPMC’s West Shore facility in Mechanicsburg, Friday.
The event was intended to promote organ donation throughout the state, a choice residents can opt into when they receive their driver’s licenses or state IDs. The choice of date signifies the eight lives which can be saved by one donor.
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center is one of the state’s largest medical providers, benefitting from the medical advances forged by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh.
“Organ donation is not just a medical act; it’s a social commitment,” said Elizabeth Ritter, UPMC West Shore President.
Ritter said the organization tries to support organ donation through its culture, even offering employees four weeks paid leave if they choose to become living donors. Single kidneys as well as parts of the liver, lungs, pancreas, and intestine are all organs that can be donated by a healthy person who is the right match for someone in need.
“Only about half of eligible individuals are registered as donors,” said Dr. Manish Gupta, surgical director of UPMC Central Pa.’s Kidney Transplant Program. “We believe that gap is largely due to a lack of information. Thanks to advancements in technology, organ donation is safer and more accessible than ever – and events like this help inspire people to take action.”
Misconceptions about the organ donation process have long prevented individuals from opting in. Some worry that doctors won’t do everything they can to save someone who is an eligible organ donor, while others worry that it would compromise other end of life plans.
Ultimately, the choice to donate can impact far more than eight lives. Tissue donation allows a person to benefit up to 75 people. With today’s technologies, even hands can be donated.
“Choosing to become an organ donor can save or dramatically improve someone’s life,” said Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Executive Deputy Secretary Larry Shifflet. “And you don’t have to wait until you renew your license – you can register at any time.”
Thirteen-year-old C.J. Adams spoke about the improvement organ donation made to his life. Born with a heart complication, he had his first surgery on his second day of life and received a pacemaker at seven months. At one point, he stayed in the hospital for an entire year, afraid and wondering if he would die.
“I was never able to play sports or act like a normal kid like everyone else my age,” said Adams, who had been given limited time after entering heart failure at twelve. “I wasn’t sure if God had forgotten about me.”
Adams received a heart in January and is now able to play sports. He hopes to become a heart surgeon when he grows up.
“I really appreciate your loving and selfless gift,” he said to his donor family. “Without it, I might not be here today.
There are more than 6,000 people on the state’s transplant waiting list.
“PA Donor Day is a special opportunity to come together in kindness and compassion,” said Susan Stuart, president and CEO of Center for Organ Recovery & Education. “Encouraging our family, friends, and neighbors to learn more and sign up as donors gives hope to those who need it most – and honors the incredible generosity of donor families across the commonwealth.”
