A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE April 11, 2023, AS "Donate Life DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

 

Whereas, one of the most meaningful gifts that a human being can bestow upon another is the gift of life through organ, eye, and tissue donation; and

 

Whereas, more than one hundred thousand children and adults await life-saving transplants, of which more than fifteen hundred live in South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, in 2022, two hundred thirty South Carolinians said "yes" to organ donation, thereby saving the lives of over six hundred people awaiting a second chance at life; and

 

Whereas, in 2022, three hundred ninety South Carolinians said "yes" to tissue donation. Their donations will help to heal more than twenty-nine thousand Americans, including giving the precious gift of sight to over twelve hundred people; and

 

Whereas, every nine minutes, a new name is added to the national transplant waiting list. An average of seventeen people die each day while waiting for an organ transplant; and

 

Whereas, according to research conducted by Donate Life America, more than ninety percent of Americans support donation . More than sixty-four percent of South Carolinians, constituting over two and a half million residents, have said "yes" to organ and tissue donation when given the opportunity at the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles; and

 

Whereas, the decision to become an organ donor can save up to eight lives, and tissue donation can enhance many more. Men, women, and children depend on the generosity of others to receive a second chance at life; and

 

Whereas, increasing awareness of the far-reaching impact of organ, eye, and tissue donation can increase the number of people who choose to make life-changing and life-saving donations.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize April 11, 2023 as "Donate Life Day" in South Carolina.

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