HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2000-4794, by Representatives Carlson, Wensman, Skinner, Hankins, Linville, McDonald, Thomas, Dunn and Talcott

      WHEREAS, It is essential that all citizens become more aware of the critical need for organ donations and transplantation; and

      WHEREAS, There are currently over 42,000 courageous Americans awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant with 8 to 10 individuals losing their lives each day because of the shortage of donations; and

      WHEREAS, Every 18 minutes a new name is added to the national organ transplant waiting list; and

      WHEREAS, The thousands of good people who are in need of an organ donation and transplant unnecessarily suffer along with their loved ones and friends while waiting for a compatible donation and transplantation; and

      WHEREAS, Today it is possible to transplant approximately 25 different organs and tissues, including liver, bone, bone marrow, cartilage, cornea, hearts, kidney, lung, and pancreas; and

      WHEREAS, 18,000 organ transplants are performed each year, affording individuals the opportunity to once again lead normal and productive lives with most living healthy lives more than 5 years after surgery; and

      WHEREAS, Acceptable organ donors can range in age from newborn to senior citizens; and

      WHEREAS, Because of advances in medical technology and improved preservation techniques, donors in good health who have died suddenly ‑ often through an accident - may have organs that can continue to function and be donated and transplanted to preserve the health or save the life of another person; and

      WHEREAS, Vital organs may be procured, preserved, and transported hundreds of miles to a recipient center for transplantation; and

      WHEREAS, There are 69 organ procurement organizations across the country which provide procurement services to the 278 transplant centers nationwide; and

      WHEREAS, It is possible for the organs, tissues, and corneas of a single donor to help or save as many as 25 other people; and

      WHEREAS, An individual may indicate his or her wish to be a donor by signing a Uniform Organ Donor Card which can be obtained free of charge from doctors, pharmacies, and hospitals or by calling 1-800/24-DONOR; and

      WHEREAS, Donation of organs is an opportunity to save lives at no cost to the donor or donor's family with all costs being paid by the recipient; and

      WHEREAS, Non-Alcohol Steato-Hepatitis (NASH) is a rare liver disease which has no known cause, occurs among people who have never abused alcohol or drugs, affects only 5% of those with liver diseases, and has no cure; and

      WHEREAS, Certain cherished individuals suffer from Non-Alcohol Steato-Hepatitis (NASH) which is a terminal condition unless these valued persons receive a liver donation and transplant;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives express sincere encouragement to those in need of an organ donation and transplant, recognize the urgent and compelling need for organ donations and transplants, urge everyone who can to obtain and complete an organ donation card, and ask all the people of the state of Washington to voluntarily contribute resources to organ donation organizations nationwide.

                I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

               Resolution 4794 adopted by the House of Representatives

                                    March 8, 2000.

________________________________                        _____________________________

Timothy A. Martin, Co-Chief Clerk                     Cynthia Zehnder, Co-Chief Clerk