For Immediate Release                                                             

March 9, 2007

Contact: 

Jeanine Sato

1-800-200-2672

jsato@carolinadonorservices.org

NC Governor Proclaims April as "Donate Life Month"

Goal is to sign up more North Carolinians as organ donors…

DURHAM, N.C. (March 9, 2007) --- Recently Governor Mike Easley proclaimed April 2007 as “Donate Life Month” in the state of North Carolina. He cited the fact that more than 95,000 people in the United States are awaiting organ transplants, and that includes 2,800 people in North Carolina, according to United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS).

Gov. Easley also noted that according to UNOS more than 6,000 people die annually awaiting an organ transplant. One person can save the lives of up to eight people and improve the lives of up to 50 people through organ and tissue donation.

Carolina Donor Services reports that while 62 percent of most North Carolinians are aware of organ donation, only 22 percent have shared their wishes with their families.

To become an organ donor, one should sign a donor card, put a heart on his or her license and discuss his or her wishes with family members. Donor cards and more information may be obtained by visiting www.donatelifenc.org or www.carolinadonorservices.org.

About Carolina Donor Services

Carolina Donor Services is the federally-designated, non-profit organ and tissue donation organization serving 6.1 million people in 78 counties of North Carolina and Danville, Virginia.  Carolina Donor Services maximizes the passing of the heroic gift of life from one human being to another through organ and tissue donation.  In North Carolina, over 3,000 people are currently waiting for an organ transplant, and nationally, over 105,000 people are on the organ waiting list.  For more information, visit www.carolinadonorservices.org; call 1-800-200-2672 or write 3621 Lyckan Parkway, Durham, NC 27707.

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