National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week, 2001

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7422 of April 4, 2001

National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week,
2001

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Organ and tissue transplantation is one of the most
significant advances in medicine. Wonderful success
stories give hope to people of all ages, and donors and
their families deserve our deepest gratitude. Their
extraordinary generosity and foresight have given
countless individuals the opportunity to rear a family,
hold a job, and pursue fuller and more active lives.

Unfortunately, many people are not able to reap the
benefits of remarkable transplant technology. More than
75,000 Americans are on the national organ transplant
waiting list, and every 13 minutes, another person will
be added to the waiting list. Sadly, each day, 15 of
those on the waiting list will die because the need for
organs far exceeds the number donated.

The Department of Health and Human Services and health
professionals across the country are dedicated to
improving these statistics. By becoming organ donors,
Americans can join in this important mission to help
those suffering from a life- threatening illness caused
by the failure of a vital organ. Persons can
participate by simply completing and carrying a donor
card and informing family and friends of their wish to
donate. Such decisions will make a significant
difference in the number of available organs for
donation.

Many Americans have set a powerful example in this
regard, agreeing to become an organ donor and taking a
selfless action that may potentially save lives. I
encourage other Americans to consider organ donation
and to join me in expressing gratitude for those who
have already made the gift of life.

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 15 through 21, 2001,
as National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week. I
call upon medical professionals, government agencies,
private organizations, and educators to join me in
raising awareness of the need for organ donors in
communities throughout our Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fourth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand one, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.

(Presidential Sig.)B