HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced March 7, 2003, that the month of April will be observed as National Donate Life Month to help raise public awareness of the critical need for organ, tissue, marrow and blood donation.

The observation was originally known as National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week and was celebrated for one week in April. It grew out of smaller, independent efforts around the Nation to recognize the importance and altruism of organ and tissue donors.

In 1983, the Congress of the United States "authorized and requested" the President to "issue a proclamation designating April 22 through April 28, 1984, as National Organ Donation Awareness Week." Aware that many more tissue donations are made each year than organ donations, "Tissue" was soon added to the name, and the third full week in April became the traditional time of observance.

Over the years, many hosting groups found it restrictive to limit special donation awareness efforts to one week in April-a week which often conflicts with other observances such as National Volunteer Week or, at times, with both Passover and Holy Week.

The change to a month-long observance under the name National Donate Life Month underscores Secretary's Thompson's commitment to the donation of organs and tissues, as well as the donation of marrow and blood, which began with his launching of the Gift of Life Donation Initiative just 75 days after taking office. It also gives donation and transplant organizations more time to sponsor public awareness activities in their communities.