[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 13 (Monday, April 4, 2005)]
[Pages 546-547]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7879--National Donate Life Month, 2005

 April 1, 2005

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    America's health care system is the best in the world. We are 
blessed with skilled doctors and medical professionals, advances in 
technology, and countless organ, tissue, and bone marrow donors who help 
save lives. During National Donate Life Month, we continue to work to 
raise donation awareness, help people get the information they need to 
become donors, and recognize those who have chosen to donate.
    Organ donors share the precious gift of life with others and 
demonstrate the compassionate spirit of our Nation. Most people are 
eligible to donate organs, tissue, or bone marrow. They can join the 
donor registry in their State, indicate donations on their driver's 
license, or complete and carry a donor card. Through these measures, 
Americans help others in need to live longer and healthier lives.

    My Administration remains committed to increasing organ and tissue 
donation. Over the past 4 years, more than 10,500 organizations have 
joined the Department of Health and Human Services' ``Gift of Life 
Donation Initiative'' and made donation information available to their 
employees, associates, and members. My fiscal year 2006 budget proposal 
includes $23 million for donation and transplant services at HHS and an 
additional $23 million for the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry. 
These programs will help increase donation rates, treat patients in 
need, and strengthen efforts to find suitable bone marrow donors.

    During National Donate Life Month, I join our citizens in honoring 
donors and their families. The generosity of these individuals reflects 
the great character of our country and sets a fine example for all 
Americans.

     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 2005 as National 
Donate Life Month. I urge health care professionals, volunteers, 
educators, government agencies, and private organizations to help raise 
awareness of the need for organ and tissue donors across our Nation.

     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of 
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:49 a.m., April 4, 
2005]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
April 5.

[[Page 547]]