The Shapiro Administration marked PA Donor Day on Thursday with a statewide call to action encouraging Pennsylvanians to register as organ and tissue donors. The event, held at UPMC West Shore, brought together state officials, health care leaders, donation advocates, and families touched by organ donation.

PA Donor Day is recognized each year on August 1 (8/1), a date chosen to symbolize that one donor can save eight lives through organ donation. More than 6,000 Pennsylvanians remain on the transplant waiting list, with many losing their lives while waiting for a match.

“As a practicing pediatrician, I saw firsthand the life-changing impact of organ donation,” said Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen. “We need more Pennsylvanians to sign up and help save lives.”

In addition to saving up to eight lives, a single donor can improve the quality of life for up to 75 others through tissue donation, benefiting patients recovering from burns, spinal injuries, vision loss, and more.

Pennsylvanians can register as organ donors when applying for or renewing a driver’s license or by visiting www.donatelifepa.org.