    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8491--APR. 1, 2010

    Proclamation 8491 of April 1, 2010
    National Donate Life Month, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    As Americans, we can demonstrate our commitment to one another in the
    most difficult of circumstances through organ, tissue, stem cell, and
    blood donation. During National Donate Life Month, we honor donors who
    provide others with a second chance for a healthy life and encourage
    more Americans to share this precious gift.
    Today, over 100,000 Americans await donation on the Organ Procurement
    and Transplantation Network waiting list. Many will receive a lifesaving
    transplant, but, for some, help will not come fast enough. Whether they
    are coping with kidney failure or recovering from severe injuries, these
    individuals' lives depend on the compassion of a loved one or a complete
    stranger. Across our country, we face a shortage of donors and an urgent
    need for help. We must respond with the spirit of generosity that has
    always defined our national character.
    Each organ or tissue donor can save many lives, and becoming one is
    simple: join your State's donor registry, indicate your decision on your
    driver's license, and inform loved ones of your decision. There is no
    age limit for donors, and because some conditions and blood types are
    more common in certain ethnic and racial populations, the Department of
    Health and Human Services especially encourages minorities to consider
    donation.
    Visit OrganDonor.gov to learn more about the urgent need for donors and
    to find resources on how to donate. Together, we can save lives and give
    hope to countless American families.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
    America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
    the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2010 as National
    Donate Life Month. I call upon health care professionals, volunteers,
    educators, government agencies, faith-based and community groups, and
    private organizations to join forces to boost the number of organ,
    tissue, blood, and stem cell donors 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 ten, and of the Independence of the
    United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
    BARACK OBAMA