National Donate Life Month, 2009

Proclamation 8356 of April 1, 2009

National Donate Life Month, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Through organ, tissue, and marrow donation Americans
can give the extraordinary gift of life. National
Donate Life Month provides an opportunity to honor
those who have given of themselves to save lives and to
call upon others to participate in this generous
effort.

Every day in our Nation and across the world,
Americans dedicate themselves to helping those in need.
During times of crisis and calm, Americans have looked
beyond themselves to aid friends and strangers alike.
This spirit of giving represents a hallmark of our
national character.

Many Americans have followed this tradition of
generosity through organ, tissue, and marrow donation.
These selfless individuals have saved lives and
strengthened families and communities, and they deserve
respect and admiration for their contributions.

I urge all Americans to follow these examples by
considering becoming an organ, tissue, or marrow donor.
The call for help from those in need of transplants is
clear. More donors are needed to meet the needs of
those on the national waiting list for life-saving
transplants. When considering organ donation, Americans
should consult family members to ensure that loved ones
are fully aware of the donor's decisions.

Joining the ranks of organ donors is simple. I
encourage Americans to learn more about becoming a
donor at www.organdonor.gov.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 2009 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 increase the number of
organ and tissue donors throughout our Nation.

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