[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Proclamation 7658 of April 1, 2003
 
National Donate Life Month, 2003

By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Advances in medical research and technology are helping our citizens to
live longer and better lives. An important aspect of these improvements
is transplant technology. Today, up to 50 lives can be saved or enhanced
by just one organ and tissue donor. During National Donate Life Month,
we honor living and deceased donors and their families across our Nation
who have renewed the lives of others, and we call upon more Americans to
follow their example.
Through our Nation's organ and tissue donor programs, thousands of
Americans have given the gift of life. In 2002, 24,851 organ transplants
and 32,744 corneal transplants were performed in the United States. In
addition, the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry facilitated an average
of 173 transplants each month. These donors' spirit of giving reflects
the compassion of our great Nation.
Unfortunately, the current rate of donation is inadequate to meet the
growing needs of our fellow Americans. Nearly 81,000 of our citizens are
on the national organ transplant waiting list. Each day, an average of
68 of these individuals receive an organ transplant, yet another 17 on
the waiting list die. As a Nation, we must strive to meet the needs of
all Americans awaiting such donations.
Through the ``Gift of Life Donation Initiative,'' my Administration is
working to educate our Nation about the importance of becoming a donor.
During National Donate Life Month, more than 6,000 partners, including
Federal agencies, State governments, private industries, unions,
fraternal organizations, and associations have committed to promoting
organ and tissue donation awareness. As a result, millions of Americans
will learn about the many ways they can help those in need and save
lives.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2003 as National
Donate Life Month. I call upon our citizens to sign an organ and tissue
donor card and to be screened for bone marrow donation. I also urge
healthcare professionals, volunteers, educators, government agencies,
and private organizations to help raise awareness of the important need
for organ and tissue donors in communities throughout our Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this First day of April,
in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH


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