Governor Freudenthal Designates April as Donor Awareness Month; Double Lung Recipient and Cheyenne Resident Initiated Proclamation.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 24, 2003

On Friday, April 25, 2003, Governor Dave Freudenthal will sign a proclamation declaring April to be Donor Awareness Month in the state of Wyoming.

The proclamation publicly recognizes Wyoming's drive to increase awareness of organ and tissue donation and to encourage Wyoming residents to register as organ and tissue donors and to discuss their decision with their families. The signing will take place at 3:00 pm at the Governor's office and is open to observers.

The Governor's proclamation echoes a similar designation by Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson, who has declared April to be National Donate Life Month. The national recognition is designed to raise public awareness of the critical need for organ, tissue, marrow and blood donation. Though the number of organ donors has increased nationwide over the past year, the need still exists. Nearly 81,000 Americans are on the national organ transplant waiting list. Each day, an average of 68 of these individuals receive an organ transplant, yet another 17 on the waiting list do not survive.

"This proclamation is designed to draw attention to the situation we face in Wyoming and around the nation, in which the need for organs and tissues is far greater than their availability," says Governor Freudenthal. "We are fortunate here in Wyoming that 80 percent of our citizens are registered to be organ donors, and yet our neighbors and friends are still waiting for organs and tissue that can save and improve their lives. It is my hope that this declaration will encourage even more of our citizens to make the generous decision to donate their own organs and tissues, or to donate those of loved ones who die."

The proclamation was initiated by Cheyenne resident Jenny Winters, who received a double lung transplant in 1999 and has since been active in promoting organ and tissue donation in Wyoming and Colorado. Ms. Winters will be present at the signing.

WHAT:     Governor Freudenthal signs proclamation declaring April to
          be Donor Awareness Month in Wyoming
WHERE:    Governor's Office, State Capitol, Room 124
WHEN:     Friday, April 25, 2003, 3:00 pm

About Donor Alliance Inc.

Donor Alliance Inc. is the federally-designated organ procurement organization serving Colorado and Wyoming. As a recognized leader in facilitating the donation and recovery of transplantable organs and tissues, Donor Alliance's primary objectives are to save and enhance the lives of others.

To achieve these objectives, Donor Alliance employs effective family approach and recovery programs in hospitals, and increases the awareness of the need for organ and tissue donation through public education and awareness campaigns in its service area.

As a community-based not-for-profit organization, Donor Alliance coordinates with 100 hospitals, including four organ transplant centers. Organs that are recoverable include: heart, lung, kidney, pancreas and small bowel. Tissues that are recoverable include: bone, connective ligaments and tendons, as well as cardiovascular tissues and skin.

Coloradans can join the Donor Registry by going online to www.ColoradoDonorRegistry.org or call 303/380-4802 in the Denver area and toll-free statewide at 888/256-4386. Wyoming's Donor Registry was recently ratified by the Wyoming state legislature and is expected to become active July 1, 2003.