National Donate Life Month, 2012

Proclamation 8792 of April 2, 2012

National Donate Life Month, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

With quiet compassion and exceptional generosity, organ
and tissue donors leave an indelible mark on the lives
of countless Americans. Their selfless acts inspire
hope at moments of profound need, and they recall the
giving spirit that lies at the heart of our national
character. During National Donate Life Month, we
reflect on that essential quality and recommit to
saving lives through organ and tissue donation.

The need for donors is greater than ever before. Today,
more than 110,000 Americans await an organ transplant,
and while many individuals will receive lifesaving
treatment, too many will pass before help arrives. All
of us can play a part in ending this unacceptable loss
of life. I encourage every American to consider
becoming an organ and tissue donor; to consult their
family, friends, physician, or faith leader about their
decision; and if they choose to be a donor, to register
on their state organ donor registry. To learn more
about organ and tissue donation and how to enroll in a
donor registry, visit: www.OrganDonor.gov.

Even as millions of Americans choose to donate life,
our Nation continues to face a shortage of donors that
impacts patients and families across our country. This
month, we renew our commitment to addressing this
urgent public health issue, supporting donors and their
families, and ensuring every individual has access to
the care and services they 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 2012 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
second day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.