This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated.

News Release

HHS AWARDS $5.2 MILLION FOR RESEARCH
TO INCREASE ORGAN DONATION RATES

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced 16 grants worth $5.2 million for research that will test medical strategies and outreach efforts intended to increase the number of organ and tissue donors.

The grants are funded through two programs: Clinical Interventions to Increase Organ Procurement, and Social and Behavioral Interventions to Increase Organ and Tissue Donation. Organ procurement organizations (OPOs), universities, medical schools and other nonprofit, private organizations will receive the grants.

"Everyday 15 Americans die waiting for an organ transplant; this doesn't have to happen," Secretary Thompson said. "We need to end stereotypes, break down barriers and increase donation. These programs will help with new and innovative approaches to educating the American people on the importance and need and safety of organ donation."

The three-year clinical intervention program is being funded for the first time this year as part of Secretary Thompson's Gift of Life Donation Initiative. Grantees will test and evaluate medical techniques at hospitals and other health care facilities capable of increasing the number of possible organ donors and the number of viable organs that could be recovered from donors. Five organizations will share a total of $2 million under this program. More information about the Secretary's initiative is available at www.organdonor.gov/SecInitiative.htm.

The social and behavioral interventions program tests the success of outreach efforts and educational campaigns in increasing donation rates. Previously funded projects have used media outreach to target Hispanics, African Americans and Asians and have examined the impact of similar campaigns in the workplace and through the Internet. HHS is funding 11 new projects this year with grants worth $3,219,771 in the first year. These projects may be continued for up to three years.

The two programs are administered by HHS' Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

Lists of grantees by program area is available at
newsroom.hrsa.gov/releases/2002releases/donorresearchgrants.htm

###

Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at www.hhs.gov/news.

Last Revised: December 20, 2002