WHEREAS, Established in 2003, National Donate Life Month (NDLM), led by Donate Life America and its partner organizations, raises awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation and encourages Americans to register as donors; and
WHEREAS, NDLM is observed each April to honor those who have saved lives through the gift of donation, recognize the continued need for donors, and inspire individuals to make the selfless decision to register as organ and tissue donors; and
WHEREAS, The need for organ donors remains a critical public health issue, with more than 5,600 people dying each year while awaiting an organ transplant, and more than 90,000 people nationwide are currently waiting for a kidney transplant alone, including approximately 1,113 residents of the City of Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia, a minority-majority City, faces stark disparities in organ transplantation, with more than 80% of those awaiting a transplant being people of color, including more than 70% who are Black residents, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness, education, and action; and
WHEREAS, For over 50 years, the Gift of Life Donor Program has played a critical role in coordinating organ and tissue donation, working with 124 acute care hospitals and 12 transplant centers, as well as hundreds of transplant centers nationwide; and
WHEREAS, Since the establishment of the national donation system in 1988, Gift of Life has coordinated 14,860 organ donors and 41,140 organs for transplant, more than any other organ procurement organization in the country; and
WHEREAS, In 2025, Gift of Life coordinated 1,955 organ transplants including 984 kidney, 508 liver, and 180 heart transplants and honored 725 organ donor heroes, setting national records and demonstrating the profound impact of organ and tissue donation on individuals, families, and communities: now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes April as National Donate Life Month in the City of Philadelphia and celebrates the 51st anniversary of the Gift of Life Donor Program, honoring its lifesaving impact and continued commitment to supporting individuals and families in need.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Gift of Life Donor Program as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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