Senate to adopt resolution recognizing April as Organ Donor Awareness MonthApril 4, 2007 OLYMPIA…On Friday, April 6, the Senate will consider a resolution, sponsored by Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, recognizing April as Organ Donor Awareness Month. Immediately following adoption of the resolution, which is expected to take place at 10 a.m., there will be a news conference in the Senate Rules Room adjacent to the Lieutenant Governor’s Office on the second floor of the Legislative Building. Benton’s special guest will be Vancouver resident Michael Sivley, an organ recipient who initiated the resolution. Mr. Sivley is very active in promoting awareness of the need for organ donations. Nearly 90,000 Americans are waiting for an organ donation. About 1,200 of these individuals live in the Pacific Northwest. Each day, about 77 people receive organ transplants. However, each day 19 people die waiting for transplants. Department of Health Secretary Mary Selecky will represent the Governor’s Office at the news conference. Gov. Gregoire issued an official proclamation on March 26 designating April as Organ Donor Awareness Month in Washington state “to honor all those who have made the decision to give life, to focus attention on the extreme need for donation, and to encourage all Washington residents to consider giving life by registering as an organ and tissue donor.” In addition, Megan Erwin, executive director of Donate Life - LifeCenter Northwest in Seattle, will participate in the news conference to share personal stories and answer questions about becoming an organ donor. For more information on the Washington’s organ registry information, visit the Donate Life Web site at: www.lcnw.org. -30-
Additional contact Penny
Drost at (360) 786-7522
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