State of Nevada

Organ and Tissue Donation Task Force

Frankie Sue Del Papa                    Assemblywoman Dawn Gibbons

                                                      Co-Chair                                            Co-Chair

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                           CONTACT: Danelle Snodgrass

April 9, 2004                                                                             (775) 687-6300

CELEBRATE THE GIFT OF LIFE – APRIL IS NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH

            Carson City – Spring is the time of renewal.  What an appropriate time to celebrate the importance of organ and tissue donation as it restores and enhances life.  National Donate Life Month recognizes and applauds all those who help save and enhance the lives of others through donation and we call upon others to follow their example.

            There are more than 85,000 people in the United States who are in need of a lifesaving organ transplant.  More than 6,100 people will die this year alone waiting for a suitable donor.  Eleven transplant candidates die every day waiting for their second chance at life.

            Former Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa, Co-Chair of the Nevada Organ & Tissue Donation Task Force, along with Co-Chair Assemblywoman Dawn Gibbons, encourage Nevada citizens to consider organ and tissue donations in honor of National Donate Life Month.

            “I would like to call on all Nevadans to please give careful thought to giving ‘The Gift of Life’ by becoming an organ and tissue donor.” Del Papa said.  “The decision you make today will help save lives tomorrow. ‘National Donate Life Month’ is a time when family members and loved ones are encouraged to reflect and talk about their choice to become a donor.”

            Gibbons said, “By agreeing to give the ‘Gift of Life’ Nevadans can play a

significant role in helping to save the lives of others through their thoughtful act of kindness.”

            In honor of National Donate Life Month, the Nevada Organ & Tissue

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Donation Task Force will be releasing a public service announcement by Frankie

Sue Del Papa.  This 30-second spot calls attention to the tremendous need for organ and tissue donation as well as the importance of talking to your family members about your wishes.

            For further information and personal stories, please call Sandi Smith at Sierra Eye & Tissue Donor Services at 323-1566.  If you would like a copy of the “Gift of Life” 30 second Public Service Announcement, please contact Danelle Snodgrass at 687-6300 ext. 233.  You can also visit our website at www.giftoflife.nv.gov.

            Also in honor of National Donate Life Month, both Northern and Southern Nevada are holding poster contests for Nevada’s high school students.  The students’ artwork must promote a positive concept about organ donation. 

            In Northern Nevada, the Transplant Network, Sierra Eye & Tissue Donor Services and the Nevada Organ & Tissue Donation Task Force have joined together in sponsoring this special event.  In Southern Nevada, Nevada Donor Network is sponsoring their poster contest as well as being involved with the UNLV Film Contest. 

            In Northern Nevada, an esteemed panel of judges has been selected to judge these posters.  The judges include: First Lady, Dema Guinn; Assemblywoman Dawn Gibbons; Former Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa; local area artist, Patty Melton; Danita Cohen from Channel 8; Wendy Damonte from Channel 2; and Renee Phillips from Channel 4.  Finalists will be chosen to receive one grand prize and twelve honorable mentions.

            National Donate Life Month assists in raising public awareness of the critical need for organ and tissue donation.  One of the most important decisions anyone can make in honor of National Donate Life Month is to become a donor. That decision will make a difference.

1000 E. William Street, Suite 200, Carson City, NV 89701

Phone: (775) 687-6300 ext. 233    Fax: (775) 687-6304

www.giftoflife.nv.gov