For Immediate Release Contact:

Mark Johnson
Media Coordinator
johnsonm@lifepoint-sc.org 
1-800-462-0755

Governor Sanford Signs Proclamation Today  

Greenville, SC, Apr. 11, 2007 – Governor Mark Sanford has proclaimed April as Donate Life Month in South Carolina.   In addition to this proclamation, Donate Life South Carolina earlier this month launched a statewide campaign to bring awareness to the great need for more organ and tissue donors in the state.  Over 600 South Carolinians currently are on the waiting list for a life saving organ transplant.  National research shows that although 98% of Americans support donation, only 30% knows the essential steps to take to become a donor. Others allow misconceptions, fears, and misinformation to prevent them from making a decision. 

“I saw first hand the critical need for more organ and tissue donors in South Carolina,” says Blevins.  “I watched many patients die needlessly waiting on a transplant. When a baby boy I had been caring for passed away waiting for a liver transplant, I knew I had to do something.” 

Throughout the month, Donate Life South Carolina staff and volunteers will be participating in various functions promoting organ and tissue donation.    This weekend,  April 12th through 14th  will be “Donor Designation Weekend” all over SC, offering the public opportunities to learn more about organ and tissue donation, and a chance to sign up to become donors in Charleston (4/14), Columbia (4/12-14), Greenville (4/12), and Rock Hill (4/14).  For exact locations and a listing of other events planned across the state visit the Donate Life SC website, www.donatelifesc.org. 

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