This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated.
REMARKS BY: TOMMY T. THOMPSON, SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES PLACE: National Donor Day, Chicago, Illinois DATE: February 9, 200l
Thank you Harold, for that kind introduction.
It's good to be here in Chicago today to talk about an issue that I am passionate about, organ donation. I would like to thank and congratulate LifeSource, the Saturn Corporation, and the United Auto Workers for their program to promote donations on National Donor Day.
As you know I share your goal of increasing blood, marrow, and organ donations. I believe that there can be no greater gift than the gift of life. And what's even better- is that the cost of this gift is free- but its value is priceless.
Tomorrow, February 10th, will mark the fourth annual observance of National Donor Day. I hope that many Americans will take this opportunity to be thankful for their health, and also to think of those who are less fortunate.
As I mentioned to the employees at the Department of Health and Human Services last Friday, we are going to move in these first 100 days of my service as Secretary, to launch a national campaign to raise awareness of organ donation in this country. And I think that being here today- is a great way to jumpstart our awareness campaign.
Currently, more than 74,000 Americans are on the national waiting list for organs, thousands more wait for tissue transplants, about 32,000 life-saving blood transfusions are needed each day, and more than 30,000 people a year are diagnosed with diseases that a bone marrow transplant could cure.
The facts are staggering. Every 84 minutes someone in this country dies because there aren't enough organs available for transplant. Fewer than five percent of Americans donate blood. And only 25-30% of patients whose diseases may be cured by a marrow transplant will find a donor among members of their family.
The need for donation is great. As humans, we are all bound by an inherent dependence we have on strangers; but none more so than those who suffer from a life-threatening illness, or organ malfunction.
There are many among us, I believe, who are willing and eager to be life-saving donors. So I am asking you to be a hero this weekend- save someone's life by participating in National Donor Day.
National Donor Day offers three ways to take part:
(1) Give blood or complete a pledge card for a future blood donation;
(2) Volunteer with the National Marrow Donor Program by having a blood sample tissue typed and joining the national registry; and
(3) Fill out an organ and tissue donor card and plan to share your decision with your family.
I know that this last one is a bit tricky. It may be somewhat uncomfortable to talk to your loved ones about what should happen in the case of an unforeseen accident. But I want to encourage you to do this- to sign up as an organ donor and discuss it with your loved ones.
Did you know that just one organ and tissue donor could help 50 people? Your heart could beat for someone else. Your lungs could breathe for someone else. Your kidneys could free two people from dialysis. Your liver could save the life of a patient waiting for a transplant. Your corneas could give sight to two people. Your bones could help repair other peoples' damaged joints. And even your skin could be used help heal many burn victims.
Out of tragedy can come hope. Out of death, new life.
As part of our program to increase organ donor awareness I want to take the time to recognize some people around the country who have donated an organ, tissue, or blood.
Today I am proud to be standing with Harold Cox representing Saturn and the United Auto Workers. Mr. Cox is a kidney donor. He gave his kidney to his brother nearly 30 years ago, becoming only the second successful kidney transplant at the University of Kentucky. Harold, thank you for your willingness to give- and for your concern for others as you promote organ donation.
I also would like to recognize Bobbi Foster and Robert Packman who each have donated gallons of blood- they tell me that makes you guys "Super Donors," and I would have to agree. I understand that three people can be aided by just one pint of blood. So that means that hundreds of people have been helped by your generosity. Bobbi and Robert, I thank you for your gifts to so many people.
And now we have Juan Diaz. Juan donated some of his marrow to a 36-year old man with leukemia. Now Juan, I know you're not too crazy about being poked with needles, but your wonderful gift has been a blessing to this man, and I know he appreciates it- and I want you to know that I appreciate it too.
Tina Turner used to sing that, "We don't need another hero." Well, I'm here telling you that we do. And everyone here can be a hero by sharing the gift of life. Don't let this chance pass you by. You never know who you could be helping- or who could be helping you.
Thank you.
###