WHEREAS, organ, tissue, marrow and blood donation are life-giving acts recognized worldwide as expressions of compassion to those in need;

WHEREAS, more than 100,000 individuals nationwide and more than 20,000 in California are currently on the national organ transplant waiting list, and every 90 minutes one person dies while waiting due to the shortage of donated organs;

WHEREAS, the need for donated organs is especially urgent in Hispanic and African American communities;

WHEREAS, more than 600,000 units of blood per year are needed to meet the need in California;

WHEREAS, at any given time, 6,000 patients are in need of volunteer marrow donors;

WHEREAS, a single individual’s donation of the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas and small intestine can save up to eight lives; donation of tissue can save and heal the lives of up to 50 others; and a single blood donation can help three people in need;

WHEREAS, millions of lives each year are saved and healed by donors of organs, tissues, marrow and blood;

WHEREAS the spirit of giving and decision to donate are not restricted by age or medical condition;

WHEREAS, nearly nine million Californians have signed up with the state-authorized Donate Life California Registry to ensure their wishes to be organ and tissue donors are honored;

WHEREAS, California residents can sign up with the Donate Life California Registry when applying for or renewing their driver’s licenses or ID cards at the California Department of Motor Vehicles;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that in recognition of National Donate Life Month during April, the week of April 22 – April 28, 2012 is hereby proclaimed “Donate Life Week” on the Campus of UC Irvine on behalf of former Legislative Council Member Michael Belko, who was the first in his family to become an organ/tissue donor. In doing so we encourage our students to check “YES!” when applying for or renewing their driver’s license or I.D. card, or by signing up at www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org or www.doneVIDAcalifornia.org