[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 13 (Monday, April 2, 2007)]
[Page 385]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8118--National Donate Life Month, 2007

 March 28, 2007

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Donating organs, marrow, and tissue is a kind and compassionate act 
that can protect and enhance the precious gift of life. During National 
Donate Life Month, we recognize the generosity of donors and raise 
awareness of the importance of donating.
    In recent years, there has been great progress in this important 
effort, and the rate of organ donation has steadily increased--helping 
save thousands of lives. Despite this success, more than 95,000 
Americans currently await organ transplants, and hundreds more are added 
to the transplant list each month. My Administration strongly supports 
organ, marrow, and tissue donation, and we are working with public and 
private groups to help more citizens understand the impact of organ 
donation.
    Americans who wish to become organ and tissue donors can register 
with their State's donor registry, designate their intent on their 
driver's license, and sign and carry donor cards, which are available at 
organdonor.gov. I urge all citizens to consider becoming donors and 
encourage all donors to inform their loved ones of their decision so 
their wishes can be fulfilled. Every human life holds inherent dignity 
and matchless value, and National Donate Life Month is an opportunity to 
celebrate our country's organ and tissue donors. The decision to donate 
the gift of life demonstrates the compassionate spirit of our Nation.
     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 2007 as National 
Donate Life Month. I call upon health care professionals, volunteers, 
educators, government agencies, faith-based and community groups, and 
private organizations to help raise awareness of the urgent need for 
organ and tissue donors throughout our Nation.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth 
day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:45 a.m., March 29, 
2007]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on March 
30.