Make a difference. Become a donor.

Have you ever wished you could make a real difference in the world? You can – by becoming an organ, eye, and tissue donor.

Donation is one of the most selfless and transformative gifts a person can give. It’s also desperately needed. At The Wright Center, we are strong advocates for donation and proudly observe National Donor Day in February, National Donate Life Month in April, and Pennsylvania Donor Day in August.

We also participate in the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) DoNation Campaign, which encourages workplaces nationwide to educate their employees about the importance of becoming donors. In 2023 and 2024, HRSA honored The Wright Center with its platinum ribbon for ongoing advocacy – the campaign’s highest recognition. Since DoNation launched more than a decade ago, its partners have helped nearly 700,000 people register as donors, bringing hope and healing to countless families.

Portrait of Erin Mcfadden

Erin McFadden, M.D., is senior vice president and chief medical officer at The Wright Center for Community Health. Board-certified in internal medicine, Dr. McFadden is the clinical leader for all outpatient, inpatient, and specialty services. To make an appointment, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.

The need, however, remains staggering. According to HRSA, more than 103,000 people are on the national transplant waiting list, with another name added every eight minutes. On average, 13 people die every day while waiting. Yet one donor has the power to save as many as eight lives and enhance more than 75 others through tissue and eye donation.

Registering is remarkably simple. You can add your name to the donor registry when you obtain or renew your driver’s license, or you can sign up online at organdonor.gov. Here in Pennsylvania, more information is available at donatelifepa.org, the official site of Donate Life Pennsylvania. This statewide initiative – a collaboration between the Gift of Life Donor Program, the Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE), and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Transportation, and Education – is supported by voluntary contributions collected during driver’s license renewals, vehicle registrations, and state income tax filings. The funds go directly toward raising awareness and increasing the number of registered donors in the commonwealth. Among its signature events is the annual PA Donor Day, which The Wright Center proudly supports.

Of course, registering as an organ donor also means having thoughtful conversations with your loved ones. Talking openly ensures that your wishes are understood and honored when the time comes. While it may be difficult to consider, those conversations can bring comfort and clarity to your family while giving hope to others.

Becoming a donor is more than a decision – it’s an extraordinary act of compassion, generosity, and humanity. If you haven’t yet registered, we encourage you to reflect on the impact you could make. By saying “yes” to organ donation, you hold the power to save lives, transform families, and give the ultimate gift: the gift of life.