[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 14 (Monday, April 9, 2001)]
[Pages 572-573]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7422--National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week, 2001

 April 4, 2001

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Organ and tissue transplantation is one of the most significant 
advances in medicine. Wonderful success stories give hope to people of 
all ages, and donors and their families deserve our deepest gratitude. 
Their extraordinary generosity and foresight have given countless 
individuals the opportunity to rear a family, hold a job, and pursue 
fuller and more active lives.
    Unfortunately, many people are not able to reap the benefits of 
remarkable transplant technology. More than 75,000 Americans are on the 
national organ transplant waiting list, and every 13 minutes, another 
person will be added to the waiting list. Sadly, each day, 15 of those 
on the waiting list will die because the need for organs far exceeds the 
number donated.
    The Department of Health and Human Services and health professionals 
across the country are dedicated to improving these statistics. By 
becoming organ donors, Americans can join in this important mission to 
help those suffering from a life- threatening illness caused by the 
failure of a vital organ. Persons can participate by simply completing 
and carrying a donor card and informing family and friends of their wish 
to donate. Such decisions will make a significant difference in the 
number of available organs for donation.
    Many Americans have set a powerful example in this regard, agreeing 
to become an organ donor and taking a selfless action that may 
potentially save lives. I encourage other Americans to consider organ 
donation and to join me in expressing gratitude for those who have 
already made the gift of life.
    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 15 through 21, 2001, 
as National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week. I call upon medical 
professionals, government agencies, private organizations, and educators 
to join me in raising awareness of the need for organ donors in 
communities throughout our Nation.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of 
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., April 6, 
2001]

[[Page 573]]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on April 
9.