[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 12 (Thursday, February 10, 2000)]
[House]
[Pages H333-H334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        NATIONAL DONOR DAY 2000

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Thurman) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. THURMAN. Mr. Speaker, organ donation falls into the category of 
things you never think will affect you, your friend, your neighbor, or 
your family. It happens to other people. In this Congress alone, there 
are several Members who have undergone successful organ transplants; 
and we are thankful that these fine people are here with us today. The 
gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Moakley) and the gentleman from South 
Carolina (Mr. Spence) are two of the lucky ones.
  My husband, John, was also one of the lucky ones. His successful 
transplantation not only gave John a new lease on life, but it also has 
given my children back a father, and me, a loving husband.
  Mr. Speaker, though we are not alone, every year thousands of 
Americans wait anxiously on the organ donation lists, and they are 
entirely dependent on those kind enough to give. They are entirely 
dependent on those aware that there is a genuine need.
  Today transplantation is extremely successful and people can live 
productive lives with a transplanted organ. However, because of this 
technology, even more people have been added to the national waiting 
list.
  Sadly, the number of donors has not grown as fast as the number of 
people

[[Page H334]]

awaiting an organ transplant. Today there are not enough organs for 
everyone who needs them. Even with the growing number of transplants 
performed, on average, there is an increase in the number of patients 
on the national waiting list every day. Today there are more than 
65,000 people awaiting an organ transplant, and at least 11 people die 
each day while waiting for an organ.
  In simple terms, the biggest problem facing transplant patients is 
the shortage of organs. One way that you can help address this health 
care crisis is to talk to your friends and families about the 
importance of organ and tissue donation.
  I stand before you today to ask for your help. We need to work 
together to increase the awareness about the importance of organ and 
tissue donation. I ask you to join us in cosponsoring House Resolution 
247, a resolution that recognizes and supports National Donor Day. 
National Donor Day is organized by Saturn and the United Auto Workers, 
along with a number of organ foundations, health organizations, and the 
Department of Health and Human Services.
  They have established February 12, 2000, as National Donor Day 2000. 
This day is dedicated to educating people about the Five Points of 
Life. This weekend this coalition is again joining forces for the third 
time to bring us together for a National Donor Day. This is America's 
largest one-day donation event.
  Held just before Valentine's Day, the first two donor days raised a 
total of 17,000 units of blood, added over 24,000 potential donors to 
the National Marrow Donor Registry and distributed tens of thousands of 
organ and tissue pledge cards.
  You and I, your friends and families, can participate in this 
historic event by, one, giving blood or pledging to give blood; two, 
volunteering with the National Marrow Donor Program; or, three, filling 
out an organ and tissue donation pledge card and agreeing to discuss 
the decision with family members.
  I would also like to take a moment to thank these people and groups 
in my district, including Saturn in Gainesville, along with Lifesouth 
Community Blood Centers in Gainesville and other groups and individuals 
for pulling together to host a donation event on National Donor Day in 
the Fifth District of Florida.
  I urge everyone to talk to their friends and families about the 
importance of organ donation and to let others know about this year's 
National Organ Donor Day. Do not forget, it is February 12, 2000. We 
are counting on you.

                          ____________________