[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 111 (Friday, August 7, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1637]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   WISCONSIN UNVEILING OF THE ORGAN DONATION AWARENESS POSTAGE STAMP

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                         HON. THOMAS M. BARRETT

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 7, 1998

  Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, August 14th, the 
Wisconsin Donor Network, the Wisconsin State Fair, and the United 
States Postal Service will sponsor the Wisconsin unveiling of a U.S. 
postage stamp highlighting organ donation awareness. I appreciate this 
opportunity to share with my colleagues the story of this unique 
partnership.
  The Wisconsin Donor Network is celebrating its tenth anniversary this 
year. The Network's information materials and presentations to 
community and professional groups send a powerful message about the 
need for and effectiveness of organ donation, and its multicultural 
information programs address the distinctive transplant needs and 
donation concerns of metropolitan Milwaukee's African American, Latino, 
and Asian communities.
  Wisconsinites have answered the call for more organ donors, making an 
impressive commitment to give the gift of life. I am proud to note 
that, compared to organ donation promotion efforts by similar 
organizations nationwide, the Wisconsin Donor Network ranked sixth in 
1997, and fourth in 1996.
  Our colleague, U.S. Senator Mike DeWine, of Ohio, proposed an organ 
and tissue donation stamp, in 1996. The Postal Service rose to the 
occasion and produced a beautiful and compelling design previewed last 
year at a Capitol Hill ceremony by then-Postmaster General Marvin 
Runyon. I commend the Postal Service for its partnership in this 
important effort to raise our nation's consciousness concerning the 
critical importance of organ and tissue donation.
  The Wisconsin State Fair has also been a strong supporter of the 
Wisconsin Donor Network's efforts. The Network's organ and tissue 
donation awareness booth at last year's State Fair was overwhelmingly 
successful, reaching thousands of State Fair visitors, and the State 
Fair has welcomed the Wisconsin Donor Network back again this year. I 
can think of no better forum for the stamp's Wisconsin unveiling than 
this year's State Fair.
  Mr. Speaker, the organ donation awareness postage stamp is a powerful 
symbol. It provides a daily reminder that a simple selfless act can 
make the difference between life and death for another person. I ask 
that my colleagues join me in congratulating the Wisconsin Donor 
Network, the Wisconsin State Fair, the United States Postal Service, 
and Wisconsin donor families and transplant recipients, on the occasion 
of its issuance.

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