[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