News Release
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 26, 2004 |
Contact: HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343
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Statement by Tommy G. Thompson
Secretary of Health and Human Services
Regarding Senate Passage of the Organ Donation and Recovery Improvement Act
I congratulate the House and Senate for passing the "Organ Donation and Recovery Improvement Act" and sending it to President Bush for his signature. This bill represents a major step forward in our nation's efforts to help people in need of life-saving organ transplants. I commend the sponsors of this legislation for taking historic steps to reduce the organ donor waiting list and provide hope to the thousands of patients and families in need of the "gift of life."
This bill authorizes new resources for our efforts to increase donation, including providing reimbursement of the travel and subsistence costs associated with living donation; providing greater resources to states to expand their public education and outreach efforts; and awarding grants to coordinate organ donation activities of eligible hospitals and organ procurement organizations. These provisions build on and complement many of our existing efforts, including the Organ Donation Breakthrough Collaborative, which I launched last year, and the Gift of Life initiative I launched in 2001.
The need for organs has continued to grow faster than the supply. Today, more than 83,000 Americans are waiting, hoping and praying that they will receive an organ transplant in time. Once signed by the President, this new legislation will make a world of difference not only to those on waiting lists, but also to their families and friends who wait with them.
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Last Revised: March 26, 2004
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