Massachusetts To Champion Organ Donation Efforts

BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts officials are urging local residents to consider signing up as organ donors.

Last year, more than 640 lives were saved in New England because of the decision of other individuals to become donors.

State health officials said thousands more had their quality of life improved through tissue donations.

State Secretary of Health and Human Services John Polanowicz is planning to join with other state officials, transplant surgeons and individuals personally touched by donations — including the families of donors — during a Statehouse event on Monday

Polanowicz will announce April as Donate Life Month in Massachusetts.

Despite the successes, there is far greater demand. There are more than 120,000 patients currently on the U.S. transplant wait list.

The event will take place at 2 p.m. Monday at the House Members Lounge at the Statehouse.

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