Letter to the editor: REAL ID real chance to do good

Oct. 1, 2020 is the date when you will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, photo ID card or another form of federally acceptable identification to board commercial domestic aircraft, access a military installation and/or get into federal buildings that require identification upon entry. This provides all Pennsylvanians who choose to get an optional REAL ID at a Driver License Center, or DMV, with the opportunity to do good and help save lives.

First, we can all say “thank you.” DMV offices are vital partners in saving and healing lives, as the primary source of organ, tissue and cornea donor registrations. They are on the front lines every day, helping more than 10.9 million Pennsylvanians with commonwealth-issued drivers’ licenses and identification cards.

Second, we can all register. When you go to a PennDOT Driver License Center, please show your support for saving lives by getting a red heart on your license or identification card. You can also register online at donatelifepa.org.

With millions of Pennsylvanians getting REAL IDs, just think of the impact we can have on the lives of the thousands of men, women and children waiting for lifesaving transplants if everyone registered as part of this process.

Susan Stuart

O’Hara

Howard M. Nathan

Philadelphia

Stuart is president and CEO of the Center for Organ Recovery and Education (www.core.org). Nathan is president and CEO of the Gift of Life Donor Program (www.donors1.org).