News Release
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, April 12, 2004 |
Contact: HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343
|
Statement by Tommy G. Thompson Secretary of Health and Human Services Regarding National Donate Life Month
As we as a nation observe National Donate Life Month, I urge all Americans to make the greatest gift of all -- the gift of life -- by deciding to become organ, tissue, marrow and blood donors. One person truly can make a difference by becoming a donor.
Thanks to our Department's Gift of Life Donation Initiative and the Workplace Partnership for Life campaign, we have seen an increase in the number of organ donors in recent years. However, the need for organ, tissue, marrow and blood donors continues to increase at an even faster rate.
Last year, more than 25,000 transplants were performed in our nation's hospitals. Today, however, there are more than 84,000 of our fellow Americans waiting for an organ transplant. Each day, nearly 70 people will receive an organ transplant, but another 16 people will die waiting. But we can each do something to solve this problem. We need more Americans to agree to be donors, sign a donor card and discuss their wishes with their families. If you are already a registered organ donor, please encourage your family and friends to become donors as well.
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first organ transplant in the United States, please consider giving the precious gift of life. You can learn more by logging onto http://www.organdonor.gov.
###
Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.
Last Revised: April 13, 2004
|