April is Donate Life Month, which urges everyone to become an organ donor.
According to Katelynn Metz with the Center for Organ Recovery and Education, also known as CORE, there are more than 7,000 in Pennsylvania in need of an organ transplant.
“It’s really important to go out, talk to people, and help them understand why there’s really no reason not to sign up to be an organ donor. People need to be aware of the need. And to honor those people who have become donors and their families,” Metz said.
Metz says the Keystone State does trail the national average with only 50 percent of people registered as organ donors.
“The national average is closer to 60 percent. I will say in Butler County, it is designated as one of highest counties in the state with organ donors. That’s something to be really proud of, but we obviously need more people to sign up,” Metz said.
People can sign up to become an organ donor at the PennDOT DMV or online at core.org.
