[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 41 (Thursday, March 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E469]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ORGAN DONATION IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2003

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                          HON. TED STRICKLAND

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 2003

  Mr. STRICKLAND. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support H.R. 399, the 
Organ Donation Improvement Act of 2003. This important measure takes 
steps to increase donation activity to meet the demand for life-saving 
human organs. Human anatomical donation is truly the greatest gift one 
can offer to another. This humanitarian act looks beyond one's self and 
to those in need--to children, young adults, parents, and family 
members--whose lives we value and whose future we safeguard.
  H.R. 399 makes note of the importance of family discussions and 
encourages families to express their desires and openly pledge to help 
others through the act of donation. Americans have the ability to 
choose to give gifts that restore sight, save lives, and improve the 
health of others through organ, eye and tissue donation. While the need 
for organs is a well-documented fact, the need for donated tissues and 
eyes should also be stressed. Many Americans do not realize that those 
who cannot become donors of organs for various medical reasons can 
still save sight and improve the health of others through eye and 
tissue donation. It is therefore of critical importance that when 
families do discuss their wishes to give anatomical gifts, they are 
knowledgeable about all of their opportunities: to save lives; restore 
sight; and improve the health of others through the donation of their 
organs, eyes, and tissues. These precious gifts give life, improve 
health and advance medical science for those who often have no 
alternative hope for treatment and cure.
  In 2001, there were 24,076 organ transplants giving life; 33,000 
cornea transplants restoring sight; and 900,000 tissue transplants 
improving physical function and health. These impressive statistics 
demonstrate the generosity of the American people. Yet, more donors are 
needed to meet the need for life-saving transplants, sight restoration 
procedures, repair of wounds and severe burns. Education and awareness 
is the first step toward bridging the gap to meet the need for more 
anatomical donors. In closing, I encourage all Americans to take the 
time to discuss with family members the most precious gift a person can 
give--one's organs, eyes and tissues--to better mankind.

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