National Donate Life Month, 2013

Proclamation 8950 of March 29, 2013

National Donate Life Month, 2013

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Today, more than 115,000 men, women, and children are
on the waiting list for an organ transplant. To help
them get the care they need, millions of Americans
choose to be organ and tissue donors--a decision that
reflects not only profound generosity, but also our
commitment to one another. During National Donate Life
Month, we renew the call for organ and tissue donation.

Most people can be donors, and the need is great. I
encourage Americans of every background to learn the
facts about organ and tissue donation, consider signing
up for their State's registry, and talk to family and
friends about their decision. Information and resources
about how to get involved are available at
www.OrganDonor.gov.

Together, we can respond to the donor shortage that
keeps thousands of patients from getting life-saving
care. Let us mark this month by rededicating ourselves
to that task, standing with donors and their families,
and igniting hope for those in need.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim April 2013 as
National Donate Life Month. I call upon health care
professionals, volunteers, educators, government
agencies, faith-based and community groups, and private
organizations to join forces to boost the number of
organ and tissue donors throughout our Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-ninth day of March, in the year of our Lord two
thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.