07-R179

2007 -- S 0931

Enacted 04/12/07

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF APRIL, 2007 TO BE "NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Senator Leo R. Blais

Date Introduced: April 12, 2007

     WHEREAS, The desperate need for organ and tissue transplants cuts across all age

groups and affects the lives of people from all walks of life; and

     WHEREAS, According to the United States Department of Health, each day 77 people

get the organ transplant they need to give them a second chance at life, but sadly 19 others die

while waiting for a donated organ; and

     WHEREAS, Each donor can potentially save the lives of up to seven people and improve

the quality of life for many more; and

     WHEREAS, Nationally, more than 95,000 men, women and children are waiting for a

transplant. Many are Rhode Islanders, including 142 who are currently in need of a kidney or

pancreas transplant at Rhode Island Hospital; and

     WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Organ Donor Awareness Coalition and the National

Coalition are working diligently to improve awareness and commitment to organ and tissue

donations, while dispelling the misunderstandings and myths surrounding this gift of life; and

     WHEREAS, Organ and tissue transplants are truly a gift of life. They enable our

children, our parents, our brothers and sisters, and our neighbors to live and lead independent,

productive, and fulfilling lives; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby proclaims April, 2007 to be "National Donate Life Month" in the State of Rhode Island in

honor of all the individuals who make transplants possible; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this Senate encourages all Rhode Islanders to consider organ and

tissue donation and to sign donor cards when they apply for a driver's license; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Director of the Rhode Island Organ Donor

Awareness Coalition.

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LC02753

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