Donate Life Month

WHEREAS, realizing the urgent need for donors around the country, National Donate Life Month observance was established in 2003, to promote a greater understanding about the life-saving benefits of donation. On April 17, 2015, National Donate Life Blue and Green Day represents a national effort to raise awareness for organ and tissue donation and transplantation; and

WHEREAS, the transplantation of organs and tissues is a miracle of modern medicine made possible through the compassion of organ and tissue donors, enabling gifted surgeons to not only save thousands of lives every year, but also to restore health and sight to the recipients; and

WHEREAS, people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and religions are in need of organ transplants. Currently there are almost 4,000 people waiting for a transplant in Alabama and more than 120,000 Americans awaiting life-saving and life-enhancing transplant operations; and

WHEREAS, every capable person should support this vital effort by learning more about donating organs and tissue, registering as organ and tissue donors, making their families aware of their wishes and will be willing to give the precious gift of health, sight and life to people in need; and

WHEREAS, the Alabama Organ Center is the non-profit, independent organ procurement organization dedicated to addressing the need through enhanced awareness; and

WHEREAS, the state of Alabama supports the Alabama Organ Center’s life-saving mission and recognizes National Donate Life Month and National Blue and Green Day as a great opportunity to join in the fight to save lives by giving the greatest of gifts:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2015, as

Donate Life Month

in the state of Alabama.