Pittsburgh, June 5, 2013 – The Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE), a federally designated not-for-profit organ procurement organization (OPO) serving Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and parts of New York, is encouraging Pennsylvania state legislators to express their support for the Donate Life PA Act, a series of bills that is expected to be re-introduced in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the Pennsylvania Senate in the coming days.

“In recent weeks, the public’s attention has been focused intently on the case of 10 year-old Sarah Murnaghan of the Philadelphia area and her desperate need for new lungs. Her story has prompted federal officials to call for a review of national policies regarding such transplants,” said Susan Stuart, president and CEO of CORE. “Here in Pennsylvania, our lawmakers also have a chance to make an impact on organ donation across the state by voting to pass the Donate Life PA Act. Too many people of all ages are desperately waiting for a life-saving transplant, and it’s time for us to act.”

If it is made into a law, the Donate Life PA Act would provide a comprehensive framework for increasing organ and tissue donation and transplantation. The act creates a framework for the incorporation of best clinical practices and collaboration among healthcare partners. It also enhances educational programs about organ donation for both secondary public schools and health care professionals. In addition, the legislation provides for enhanced collaboration with county medical examiners and coroners to ensure that donation options are available and implemented for all families consistently throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

“At this very moment, 8,000 people across the state of Pennsylvania are awaiting a transplant to save their lives. Across our nation, at least 18 people will die each day if they do not receive a transplant,” Stuart added. “One of CORE’s key objectives is to continue educating the public on the desperate need for more organ and tissue donors. At the same time, we need the support of our state lawmakers so Pennsylvania can maintain its leadership position in the nation when it comes to organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Ultimately, this legislation provides the necessary tools to help save more lives.”

In the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, the Donate Life PA Act is being sponsored by Representative Joseph Petrarca and Representative Bryan Cutler.

In the Pennsylvania Senate, the legislation (earmarked as Senate Bill 850) is being sponsored by Senator Stewart Greenleaf.

For more information about CORE, visit core.org or call 1-800-DONORS-7.

About CORE
The Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) is one of 58 federally designated not-for-profit organ procurement organizations (OPOs) in the United States. CORE works closely with donor families and designated health care professionals to coordinate the surgical recovery of organs, tissues and corneas for transplantation. CORE also facilitates the computerized matching of donated organs and placement of corneas. With headquarters in Pittsburgh and an office in Charleston, West Virginia, CORE oversees a region that encompasses 155 hospitals and almost six million people throughout western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Chemung County, NY. For more information, visit core.org or call 1-800-DONORS-7.