National Donate Life Month, 2005

Proclamation 7879 of April 1, 2005

National Donate Life Month, 2005

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

America's health care system is the best in the world.
We are blessed with skilled doctors and medical
professionals, advances in technology, and countless
organ, tissue, and bone marrow donors who help save
lives. During National Donate Life Month, we continue
to work to raise donation awareness, help people get
the information they need to become donors, and
recognize those who have chosen to donate.

Organ donors share the precious gift of life with
others and demonstrate the compassionate spirit of our
Nation. Most people are eligible to donate organs,
tissue, or bone marrow. They can join the donor
registry in their State, indicate donations on their
driver's license, or complete and carry a donor card.
Through these measures, Americans help others in need
to live longer and healthier lives.

My Administration remains committed to increasing organ
and tissue donation. Over the past 4 years, more than
10,500 organizations have joined the Department of
Health and Human Services' ``Gift of Life Donation
Initiative'' and made donation information available to
their employees, associates, and members. My fiscal
year 2006 budget proposal includes $23 million for
donation and transplant services at HHS and an
additional $23 million for the National Bone Marrow
Donor Registry. These programs will help increase
donation rates, treat patients in need, and strengthen
efforts to find suitable bone marrow donors.

During National Donate Life Month, I join our citizens
in honoring donors and their families. The generosity
of these individuals reflects the great character of
our country and sets a fine example for all Americans.

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 2005 as National
Donate Life Month. I urge health care professionals,
volunteers, educators, government agencies, and private
organizations to help raise awareness of the need for
organ and tissue donors across our Nation.

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

(Presidential Sig.)B