Rep. Garrett offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 263.

            A resolution to declare March 2018 as Organ Donor Appreciation Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Despite continuing efforts at public education, misconceptions and inaccuracies about organ donation and transplantation persist; and

            Whereas, Access to sufficient healthcare services is a fundamental human right and is a primary concern for the vast majority of individuals and families across all demographics within our society; and

            Whereas, The United States spends more money per capita on health care than any other nation, nearly $10,000 per person in 2016; and

            Whereas, People with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) have kidney disease that has progressed to the point that, without treatment, they would die from complications of kidney failure. The ESRD population continues to increase, with total Medicare expenditures approaching $30 billion in 2013; and

            Whereas, Many illnesses can be cured instead of merely treated by means of organ transplantation from both living and deceased donors; and

            Whereas, Around 50% of Michigan adults have registered with the Michigan Organ Donor Registry, up from 27 percent in 2010. It is imperative that all citizens are aware of the opportunity and are encouraged to save and enhance the lives of others through organ donation and transplantation; and

            Whereas, It is possible to transplant approximately 25 different organs and tissues, such as liver, bone marrow, cartilage, cornea, hearts, kidney, lung, pancreas, and recently Vascularized Composite Allografts (VCAs) which involve the transplantation of multiple structures that may include skin, bone, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. The most commonly known type of VCAs are for hand and face transplants; and

            Whereas, Organ and tissue donation from one individual can save or enhance the lives of more than 100 people; and

            Whereas, Almost anyone can be an organ donor, regardless of age or medical history. New advancements in treatment options allow previously excluded donor candidates to contribute to enhancing the lives of others. These advancements include treatment of previously unusable organs, infected with Hepatitis C, to be utilized in transplantation instead of being discarded; and

            Whereas, Acknowledgement and appreciation of these noble individuals who selflessly contribute, in the ultimate act of generosity and altruism, to those in greatest need; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare March 2018 as Organ Donor Appreciation Month in the state of Michigan. We acknowledge the selfless, life-saving contribution that organ donors make to society and also recognize those who give the gift of life and urge all citizens to observe this momentous occasion.