Event raises organ donation awareness in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Springfield Mayor Sarno and New England Donor Services hosted an event Wednesday to raise awareness for organ donation in western Massachusetts.

Well—health officials say every donor can save up to 8 lives and enhance over 75 more. 22News got a chance to speak with one Springfield resident who told us how one transplant saved his life.

Organ donors have the ability to save many lives and New England donor services, Springfield Mayor Saro, and the community gathered at city hall to raise awareness for organ donation throughout the Pioneer Valley. Hal Etkin from Springfield is an organ recipient and after waiting two years, he received a heart transplant–this giving him a second chance at life.

Etkin told 22News, “When you get a heart transplant you win the lottery every single day it’s a wonderful gift it’s priceless.”

New England Donor Services reported that 549 deceased donors donated their organs last year which saved more than 1,400 lives. The New England area also reached a record high for organ donation in June.

Since 2020, the nonprofit has increased the annual number of organ donors by 52%, but even with this increase, there is still a need for more donors. The organization reports that more than 115,000 people in the area are still waiting for a life-saving transplant in the U.S. & 5,000 of them live in New England.

Matt Boger with the New England Donor Services says raising awareness and educating people about organ transplants is essential, “98% of people in Massachusetts and 95% of people in the country register when they get their driver’s license, ID or real ID. The state plays an important role and we want to help educate individuals and encourage them to say yes when they get their driver’s license.”

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Kiara Smith is a reporter who has been a part of the 22News team since March 2023. Follow Kiara on X @KiaraBSmith1 and view her bio to see more of her work.

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