We have all learned a lot since the start of the pandemic. One of the lessons that has resonated with me the most is the importance of community — of our relationships and responsibility to one another.

It’s easy especially during a global pandemic to think that as individuals, we can’t have a meaningful impact in solving a public health crisis. But as covid has taught us, we can. I’ve seen the power of the individual time and time again throughout the pandemic. I have been heartened by the commitment of Pennsylvanians to be part of the solutions — wearing masks, social distancing and washing hands. It’s those simple, individual decisions — that commitment to being part of the solution — that is essential to saving lives.

I’m asking all Pennsylvanians to take that important lesson and apply to it another health crisis facing the commonwealth: the critical need for registered organ donors. April is National Donate Life Month, a time to raise awareness and share the message that the need for organ and tissue donation is more critical than ever. Right now, nearly 7,000 of our fellow Pennsylvanians are waiting for an organ transplant. Almost half of all eligible Pennsylvanians are registered as donors, but everyone is needed.

Most Pennsylvanians register to be organ and tissue donors when they renew their driver’s licenses. With the pandemic temporarily closing some locations and decreasing visits to PennDOT centers overall, we have missed the opportunity to register nearly 1 million Pennsylvanians. Fewer people registered means fewer lives will be saved.

Fortunately, anyone can register online at any time at donatelifepa.org/register/, and it only takes a minute. Registering shows the power of each individual to make a difference and it’s a simple step that can save lives — saying “Yes!” to organ and tissue donation.

I’m reminded of a proud Pennsylvanian whose legacy continues to help save lives in the commonwealth. Former Gov. Robert P. Casey created the Trust Fund in Pennsylvania. Through the generous, voluntary contributions of Pennsylvanians, the Trust Fund informs and encourages residents to register as donors, provides grief counseling to families of donors, and raises awareness about the remarkable benevolence that enables organ and tissue donation.We recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Trust Fund. Let us pay tribute to all the lives that have been saved because of Casey’s leadership and the generosity he inspired.

Pennsylvanians should also be proud that our commonwealth is home to two of the nation’s leading organ procurement organizations (OPOs) — the Center for Organ Recovery & Education in Pittsburgh and the Gift of Life Donor Program in Philadelphia. The OPOs have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic. Together, they coordinated lifesaving gifts from 943 organ donors, resulting in 2,411 organs transplanted in 2020. This is a testament to the OPOs’ hard-working staff, the commitment of our world-class hospitals and health care workers, and the generosity of donors and donor families. Thank you to all those individuals who, together, are saving lives.

Just as we learned with the pandemic, we need all Pennsylvanians to commit to being part of the solution. If you are not registered as an organ donor, please take a minute to join the nearly 5 million Pennsylvanians who have said “Yes!” to saving lives by registering at donatelifepa.org/register/. If you are already registered, please urge your family, friends and neighbors to register, too.

Dr. Denise Johnson is acting physician general for the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

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