IV 111th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 589 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 26, 2009 Mr. Clay submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of National Minority Donor Awareness Day.

Whereas more than 96,000 individuals in the United States are on the national waiting list for organ transplants; Whereas in 2006, 50 percent of individuals on the national waiting list for organ transplants were racial or ethnic minorities, including more than 27,000 African-Americans, nearly 16,000 Hispanics and Latinos, more than 6,000 Asians and Pacific Islanders, and nearly 900 American Indians and Alaska Natives; Whereas individuals on the national waiting list for organ transplants are most likely to find well-matched organs within their own racial or ethnic group, but minority organ donors account for only about 30 percent of the available donor pool; Whereas 20 million individuals in the United States suffer from chronic kidney disease; Whereas more than 80,000 individuals in the United States die each year from chronic kidney disease; Whereas African-Americans represented less than 13 percent of the population in the United States in 2005, but represented nearly 35 percent of individuals in the United States requiring a kidney transplant on the national waiting list for organ transplants; Whereas 17 individuals die each day waiting for organ transplants due to a shortage of donated organs; and Whereas the Minority Organ and Tissue Transplant Education Program, established by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, observes National Minority Donor Awareness Day on August 1 to increase awareness of organ donation among African-American, Hispanic, Latino, Asian, Alaskan Native, Pacific Islander, and Native American populations and to recognize minority donors and their families: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1)supports the goals and ideals of National Minority Donor Awareness Day; (2)recognizes the strength, resilience, struggle, and courage of all individuals in the United States suffering from chronic kidney disease; and (3)salutes health care professionals and volunteers, families of organ donors, and all organ donors.