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WHEREAS, spring is a season of promise and renewal, and nothing could be more fitting during this time than to reflect on God's abundant miracles of life and growth, organ and tissue donation presents an opportunity to share in these miracles; and
WHEREAS, medical technology has made it possible for thousands of Americans to benefit from organ and tissue transplantation, including restored vision or help for severe burns, a heart, liver, or bone marrow, but whatever the case, organ and tissue donation shows the magnificent generosity of the American people; and
WHEREAS, in 2003, Donate Life America and its partnering organizations instituted National Donate Life Month to be celebrated in April each year and Allegheny General Hospital (AGH) is participating this year with a variety of activities; and
WHEREAS, more than 117,000 men, women, and children are awaiting a lifesaving transplant, while 18 patients nationally die daily awaiting transplant (2 of which deaths occur locally), millions of Americans choose to be organ and tissue donors, a decision that reflects not only profound generosity, but also commitment to one another; and
WHEREAS, AGH has an extremely dedicated Donor Advisory Council (DAC), a multidisciplinary team that works collaboratively with the Center for Organ Recovery and Education (CORE) to accomplish the shared goal of saving the lives of those awaiting transplantation; and
WHEREAS, in addition to the skills brought forth by the DAC, AGH has a truly dedicated team of administrators, physicians, nurses, and other ancillary staff, who in conjunction with CORE and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) collaborate to promote organ donation, and during this collaboration, AGH has been awarded a HRSA Medal of Honor five times for reaching and exceeding the conversion rate set forth by HRSA as a national standard; and
WHEREAS, during National Donate Life Month, we renew the call for organ and tissue donation, more and more Americans are aware of this worthy cause, thanks to increased education, each citizen who considers organ donation makes the gift of life possible for others;
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize and honor the great results of AGH's Donor Advisory Council, commend the talented and dedicated professionals who come together and work as a team with the Center for Organ Recovery Education, and does hereby declare April 2013, to be "Donate Life Month" in the City of Pittsburgh, so that the lives of our patients, friends and family can and will be saved through organ donation.