Collins works to increase number of organ donors through awareness initiative

April 2019 would be designated National Donate Life Month under a bipartisan resolution introduced by U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) that aims to encourage more people to register as organ and tissue donors.

“Thanks to the selfless actions by organ donors, thousands of transplant procedures are performed in the United States each year. Individuals who choose to be organ donors save lives,” Sen. Collins said on April 16.

Sen. Collins sponsored Senate Resolution 162 with U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) on April 11 and the measure is under consideration by the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.

More than 114,000 people are waiting for an organ donation that could save their lives, the senator’s office said, adding that 20 individuals die each day because of a dearth of available organs for transplant.

“This resolution recognizes each individual who has helped to give the gift of life by supporting, promoting, and encouraging organ donation,” Sen. Collins said.

The resolution was unanimously approved by the U.S. Senate last year, and is supported by the National Kidney Foundation, the American Lung Association and Donate Life America.  

“Reminding people that they can become organ donors by simply checking a box on their driver’s licenses is one step the government can take to help save lives,” said Sen. Warren, an action that can be done online or by visiting a local Department of Motor Vehicles.