NATIONAL ORGAN AND TISSUE DONOR AWARENESS WEEK

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP92G00017R000900170010-0
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 21
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 4, 2013
• Sequence Number: 10
• Publication Date: April 17, 1989
• Content Type: MEMO

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OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
UNITED STATES
OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20415
April 17, 1989
ER 89-1657
MEMORANDUM TO HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
FROM: CONSTANCE HORNER
DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: NATIONAL ORGAN AND TISSUE DONOR AWARENESS WEEK
President Bush has proclaimed April 23-29, 1989 as National
Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week. Each year the last
week of April is set aside to focus national attention on
promoting public awareness about organ and tissue donation.
Medical technology has made it possible for thousands of
Americans to benefit from organ and tissue transplantation.
Since 1981, more than 320,000 organ and tissue transplants
have been performed in the United States. However, today an
estimated 19,000 are awaiting an organ or tissue transplant.
I am asking for your help in making Federal employees more aware
of how to become potential donors. In the past, agency efforts
to inform employees about organ and tissue donation have produced
gratifying results.
The decision to become a potential donor is a private matter
between employees and their families. The organizations on the
attached list can provide information and resources on how to
secure donor cards and the procedures for becoming a potential
donor.
To kick off National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week, the
American Council on Transplantation (ACT) is sponsoring the
second national balloon event at the Washington Monument on
April 24, 1989, at 2:00 p.m. In 1988 over 100 organizations
across the United States participated in this event to call
attention to the need for increased tissue donation to provide
life saving and enhancing transplants for those who could benefit
from the gift of life. Additional information on this event may
be obtained from ACT on [phone].
Your continuing support of this humanitarian effort to educate
and promote Federal employee awareness of the organ and tissue
donor program is appreciated.
Attachment
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4 ?
Attachment
INFORMATION RESOURCES ON ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION
I. Division of Organ Transplantation
Health Resources and Services Administration ?
Public Health Service
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 9A-22
Rockville, Maryland 20857
Phone: (FTS/301) 443-7577
The Division of Organ Transplantation serves as a source of information
on the activities of state, private sector and voluntary organizations,
as well as Federal programs, involved in the various aspects of organ
donation and transplantation. The Division has recently revised a very
informative brochure (copy attached) that answers canmonly asked questions
about donating and transplanting organs and tissues and includes a tear-out
donor card. The Division can supply quantities or provide camera-ready
copy so that agencies may print their own supplies.
Pamphlet: "Organ Transplant Questions and Answers," DHHS Publication
No. HRS-M-SP 89-1, Revised October 1988.
II. American Council on Transplantation
700 North Fairfax Street, Suite #505
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Phone for agency inquiries: [phone]
Phone for individual inquiries: Toll-free 1-800-ACT-GIVE
The American Council on Transplantation (ACT) is a non-profit national
federation of organizations and individuals. Its purpose is to increase
public awareness of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Formed
in 1983, ACT is dedicated to increasing the availability of organ and
tissue transplantation to save and improve the lives of others. ACT
provides the only national public policy forum where any national organization,
state, local, and regional groups and individuals can address social,
psychological, ethical, and economic issues involved in organ and tissue
recovery and transplantation. In addition to the attached pamphlet, ACT
can provide speakers and video tapes free of charge.
Pamphlet: "Transplantation - The Miracle of Life - Questions and Answers
about Organ/Tissue Donation" (includes a tear-out uniform donor card)
III. United Network for Organ Sharing
3001 Hungary Spring Road
P. 0. Bcx 28010
Richmond, Virginia 23228
Phone: Toll-free 1-800-243-6667
The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) maintains a 24 hour nation-
wide telephone service and computer network to aid in matching donor organs
with patients in need who are registered with regional transplant centers
and coordinates placement efforts with transplant centers located across
the country. It also provides general information on organ and tissue donation.
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Questions and Answers
about Organ/Tissue Donation
U.S. Thansplant Statistics
Since 1981, more than 320,000 organ and tissue transplants have
been performed in the United States. Public opinion surveys show
that a large majority of Americans approve of organ/tissue donation
(73 %).. . transplants save the lives of some, improve the quality of
life for many and there are not enough organ and tissue donors.
All hospitals are now required by law to inform the family of a
potential donor of its option to donate should the death of their loved
one occur Studies show that 8 out of 10 do say yes, when asked.
Discuss organ and tissue donation with your family. Let them
know your wish to be a donor if they are ever faced with having to
make that decision and encourage them to think about their own
feelings on the subject. Then, sign and carry a uniform donor card or
indicate on your driver's license.
Become a
part of the
miracle of
transplantation.
ORGAN/
TISSUE
TRANSPLANTS
PERFORMED
'87
TOTAL # OF
TRANSPLANTS
#AWAITING
TRANSPLANTS
Kidney
8,967
77,872
since 1973
13,100
Heart
1,512
4,635
since 1967
900
Heart/Lung
43
172 since
1981
172
Liver
1,182
3,364
since 1967
456
Pancreas
129
676*
since 1982
150
Cornea
35,000
235,000
5,000
AMERICAN COUNCIL ON TRANSPLANTATION
UNIFORM DONOR CARD
*Includes Canadian & Mexican data
Name
Print O type name of donor ?
In the hope that I may help others, I pledge this gift to take effect upon
my death. My wishes are Indicated below:
I give 0 any needed orians/tIssues
or
0 only the following organs/tissues
Specify the?orgens and ti
Limitations or special wishes, If any
PLEASE ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO BECOME DONORS
AMERICAN COUNCIL ON TRANSPLANTATION
UNIFORM DONOR CARD
Name
Print type name of donor
In the hope that I May help others, I pledge this gift to take effect upon
my death. My wishes are Indicated below:
I give 0 any needed organs/tissues,
ID only the following organs/tissues
Specify las organs and desires
Limitations or special wishes, If any
PLEASE DETACH AND GIVE THIS PORTION
OF THE CARD TO YOUR FAMILY
Please sign the statement on the other side of this
portion of the card. Detach the card at the per-
forations and give it to the person (generally your
next of kin) most likely to be notified if you become
involved in a medical emergency.
AMERICAN COUNCIL ON TRANSPLANTATION
P.O. BOX 1709 Dept. Cl/A
Alexandria, VA 22313
PLEASE DETACH AND GIVE THIS PORTIOK1
OF THE CARD TO YOUR FAMILY
Please sign the statement on the other side of this
portion of the card. Detach the carpi at the per-
forations and give it to the person (generally your
next of kin) most likely to be notified if you become
involved in a medical emergency.
AMERICAN COUNCIL ON TRANSPLANTATION
P.O. BOX 1709 Dept. 0/A
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Questions and Answers about Organ/Tissue Donation
Who can become a donor and what
can be donated?
IIAnyone can sign a donor card or
express the wish to be a donor to a
family member. Those younger than 18
must have the consent of a parent or
guardian.
Organs include KIDNEYS, HEART,
HEART/LUNG, LIVER, LUNG and
PANCREAS. Tissues include CORNEAS,
SKIN, BONE, MIDDLE EAR, and BLOOD
VESSELS.
The donation of heart, kidneys, liver,
pancreas and lungs generally is restricted
to deaths based on brain death criteria
and to people younger than 65. For those
65 and older, corneas, bone, and skin
are options determined at the time of
death on a case-by-case basis.
There are circumstances where kidney
donations may be received from living
family members. Living unrelated organ
donation is not encouraged.
What must I do to become a donor?
U
Simply complete, sign and carry the
Uniform Donor Card at all times. It is
equally important to tell your relatives of
your wishes, and have at least one family
member serve as a witness. Your
next-of-kin will be asked to sign consent
forms perimitting donation in case of
your death even if you have a signed
donor card.
What i f I change my mind about
donating?
Just tear up the donor card, and
inform your family of your wishes. If you
signed the back of your driver's license,
"X" out the entire donor card portion
and tell your family.
Are there religious objections to
organ/tissue donation?
The principles and practices of
organ/tissue donation are approved and
supported by all major religious
denominations in America.
Transplantation is consistent with the
life-preserving traditions of these faiths.
However, you should discuss any
concerns with your minister, priest or
rabbi.
Why is a family discussion about
organ/tissue donation so important?
CIDuring the family discussion, you
should learn how each person would feel
about becoming a donor. With this
knowledge, you will be able to ensure
that your relatives' wishes are carried out
by informing the attending medical
personnel.
Keep in mind, EVEN WITH A SIGNED
DONOR CARD, CONSENT FROM
NEXT-OF-KIN USUALLY IS REQUIRED. Your
family discussion is the single-most
important element influencing donation.
How do donor families feel about
their decision afterwards?
Donor families often tell of the solace
ICI found through knowing a life was saved
or its quality improved by their decision
to donate.
What if my family is opposed to
donation?
CIYou may contact your attorney to draw
up a document expressing your wishes
upon your death. This document, in
addition to your donor card, can give
assurance that your wishes will be
honored. Let your family know of your
plans.
alWhat charges does the donor family
incur after donation?
1011 There is NO COST to the donor family
for organ and tissue recovery-related
charges.
If I sign a donor card, will it affect
the level of medical care I receive at a
hospital?
CINo. The level of medical care always is
based on the determination of what is
best for you to preserve your life. You can
be considered a candidate for donation
only if you are declared legally dead.
Is the body's appearance changed by
organ and tissue donation?
There is no change in appearance of
the body resulting from donation. Organ
and tissue recoveries are conducted in
the operating room under the direction of
qualified surgical personnel. You still may
have an open casket funeral.
Are there racial barriers to
organ/tissue donation and matching
organs?
Race is not a barrier. There are some
differences in tissue antigens, but they
are easily recognized and do not preclude
organ/tissue donation or a successful
outcome.
Kidney failure is more prevalent among
blacks than any other racial group. Blacks
with hypertension suffer from kidney
failure 17 times as often as Caucasians with
the same disease. Many blacks could be ,
helped by transplants; therefore, it is all
the more important for blacks to sign
donor cards and inform their families of
their wishes.
How does the organ procurement
system work?
After determination of death and
consent from next-of-kin, hospital ?
personnel contact a regional procurement
organization to begin arrangements.
Potential recipients are identified using
the Organ Procurement and
Transplantation Network's computer
system for organ sharing. Organs and
tissues are procured and matched on a
formula based on medical compatibility,
location and degree of urgency.
The American Council on Transplantation (ACT) is a nonprofit, national
federation of organizations and individuals. Its purpose is to increase the
awareness and frequency of organ and tissue donation. Formed in 1983,'
the Council provides the only national public policy forum where any
national organization, local, state and regional group and many individuals
address social, psychological, ethical and economic issues involved in organ and tissue
recovery and transplantation.
For more information, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
American Council on Transplantation
P.O. Box 1709
Department Q/A
Alexandria, VA 22313
OR Call 1-800-ACT-GIVE
ACT appreciates the contributions of The Dow Chemical Company towards the production of this brochure.
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Medical advances have made it possible to
transplant numerous tissues and organs from
one human being to another to improve and
save lives. The first corneal transplant was per-
formed in 1905, the first blood transfusion in
1918, the first kidney transplant in 1954, and
the first heart transplant in 1967. Now, cur-
rent medical technology also enables the trans-
plantation of skin, heart-lung, lung, pancreas,
liver, bone, and bone marrow.
In 1987 there were 8,967 kidney, 35,000 cor-
nea, 1,182 liver, 1,512 heart, 180 pancreas,
and 41 heart-lung transplants ped'ormed in the
United States. Despite advances in transplanta-
tion surgery, the need for organs for trans-
plants surpasses the number donated each year.
Today, nearly 15,000 Americans wait for an
organ transplant.
Following are answers to some of the most fre-
quently asked questions about organ transplan-
tation.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Public Health Service
Health Resources and Services Administration
Bureau of Maternal and Child Health and Resources Development
Office of Special Projects
Division of Organ Transplantation
5600 Fishers Lane ?
Rockville, Maryland 20857
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formed and what is the average cost for each
procedure? What is the survival rate for
each? How many people are waiting for organ
transplants?
Transplants Performed in U.S. 1-Year People
Avg. ? Survival Waiting
1984 1985 1986 1987 Cost Rate (approx.)
Heart
346
719
1,368
1,512
$ 57,000-
80%
850
110,000
Kidney
6,968
7,695
8,975
8,967
$ 25,000-
91%a
13,000
30,000
96%?
Liver
308
602
924
1,182
$135,000-
65%
450
238,000
Pancreas /
87
130
140
180
$ 30,000
45%
150
Islet Cell
40,000
Heart-
22
30
45.
41
$130,000-
55%
175
Lung
200,000
Cornea
24,000
26,300
28,000
35,000
$ 4,0002
(90%
5,000
7,000
success
rate)
1. Many variables account for range of cost in transplantation procedures, i.e., lack of unifor-
mity in reporting component costs, complications, medication regimen, method of reporting
or nonreporting payment of surgeons (salary, fee, no charge), graft rejection, readmissions,
infections, geography.
2. Outpatient procedure average cost is $4,00045,500. Inpatient procedure average cost is
$5,00047,000; 2-3 day inpatient stay maximum.
3. Transplant with kidney from a deceased donor.
4. Transplant with kidney from a living related donor.
Sources: American Council on Transplantation -
Eye Bank Asiociatarn of America
Health Care Financing Administration
National Critter for Health Services Research
United Network for Organ Sharing
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As of June, 1988, there were 72 organ procurement organizations
certified by the Health Care Financing Administration in the
United States.
These organizations coordinate activities relating to organ pro-
curement with donor hospitals in their designated service area.
This would include evaluating potential donors, discussing dona-
tion with family members, and arranging for the surgical removal
of donated organs. Procurement organizations will preserve the
organs and make arrangements for distribution to recipients at
transplant centers according to national organ sharing policies.
Organ procurement organizations also provide information and
education to medical professionals and the general public to en-
courage donations and increase the availability of organs for
transplantation.
What network currently exists to match donor
organs with recipients?
Persons waiting for transplants are listed at the transplant centers
where they expect to be transplanted. These lists comprise the
national waiting list of potential transplant patients maintained by
the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) located in Rich-
mond, Virginia. UNOS serves as the nation's Organ Procure-
ment and Transplantation Network and maintains a 24-hour tele-
phone service to aid in matching donor organs with patients on
the list and to coordinate placement efforts with transplant
centers.
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Once a potential organ donor is identified by hospital staff and
brain death is imminent or present, an organ procurement or-
ganization is contacted. The procurement organization is con-
sulted about donor acceptability and often asked to counsel with
families to seek consent for donation. If consent is given, certain
characteristics (i.e. age, blood type, weight) of the donor are
compared with similar information of the recipients listed on the
national computer waiting list. The most closely matched
recipient is identified. Consideration is also given to the
recipient's medical status (urgency of need) and time on the list.
When a match is found, the procurement organization will
arrange for the donated organ(s) to be? surgically removed,
preserved, and transported to the transplant center. The potential
recipient is also alerted to the availability of an organ and is
asked to travel to the transplant center. The recipient's organ is
removed and the donor organ is implanted.
Organs go to those recipients in most critical need and who most
closely match the characteristics of the organ donor. Preference is
given to recipients from the same area as the donor. Timing is a
critical element in the organ procurement process. Hearts can be
preserved for up to 6 hours, livers up to 12 hours, kidneys for 72
hours. Lungs cannot be preserved outside the body for any
extended period of time.
How many transplant centers are there in the
United States?
In June 1988, there were 59 liver, 199 kidney, 124 heart, 45
pancreas, and 43 heart-lung transplant centers in the United
States.
A
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ed request?"
"Required request", sometimes referred to as routine inquiry, is
a policy by which hospitals provide the opportunity for donation
to next-of-kin when a family member has died. These policies
enable hospitals and health care professionals to play a key role
in increasing donation because families might otherwise not be
aware of their right to donate. Forty-two states and the District
of Columbia have enacted "required request" laws that require
hospitals to institute policies and procedures for informing fami-
lies about donation.
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (Public Law
99-509) established additional requirements for hospitals that par-
ticipate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. It required
each participating hospital to establish written protocols for iden-
tification of organ donors and to notify an organ procurement
organization designated by the Secretary of Health and Human
Services of any potential donors it identifies.
Since January 1988, the Joint Commission for the Accreditation
of Healthcare Organizations has required its member hospitals to
develop policies and procedures on the identification and referral
of potential donors for hospital accreditation.
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.2t?nal Organ Transplant Act '
and what steps have been taken* to implement it?
The National Organ Transplant Act (Public Law 98-507) was
signed by the President in October, 1984, to provide for a com-
prehensive review of the medical, legal, ethical, economic, and
social issues presented by human organ procurement and trans-
plantation and to strengthen the ability of the nation's health care
system to provide organ transplants.
The Division of Organ Transplantation has been established in
the Health Resources and Services Administration of the Public
Health Service. The National Task Force on Organ Transplanta-
tion authorized by the law completed a year-long examination of
issues and two reports to the Congress and the Secretary of
Health and Human Services.
The Task Force conducted a study of immunosuppressive thera-
pies that prevent organ rejection, as well as assessed the safety,
cost, long-term effectiveness of these therapies and their accessibil-
ity. The Task Force also conducted a comprehensive review of
medical, ethical, economic, legal, and social issues in organ
procurement and transplantation.
The Division of Organ Transplantation serves as a source of
information on the activities of states, private sector and volun-
tary organizations, and federal programs involved in various
aspects of organ transplantation, such as public education on
organ donation, medical research, and health care financing. The
Division supports a national computerized network for organ
matching and a grant program to help improve the overall organ
procurement system.
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FIA-R_DP92G0,0017R0?0,0.90.047.00.,10,a,v studied by tlw Task Force on
Organ Transplantation?
The Task Force reported to the HHS Secretary and Congress in
1986 on vital aspects of the organ donation/procurement/ trans-
plantation process including:
? Factors that diminish the number of organs available for trans-
plantation;
? Problems in coordinating procurement of viable organs includ-
ing skin and bone;
? Recommendations for education of the public and health pro-
fessionals in organ donation and procurement;
? Recommendations for assuring equitable access by patients to
organ transplantation and for assuring equitable allocation of
donated organs among transplant centers and among patients;
? Identification of barriers to donation of organs to patients;
? Recommendations for the conduct and coordination of continu-
ing research concerning all aspects of transplantation of organs;
? Analysis of factors in reimbursement for transplant procedures
by private insurers and the public sector;
? Analysis of the manner in which organ transplantation technol-
ogy is diffused among and adopted by qualified medical
centers; and
? An assessment of the feasibility and likely effectiveness of a
national registry of human organ donors.
The Task Force also assessed immunosuppressive medications
and other modalities used to prevent organ rejection in transplant
patients, including analysis of:
.
Safety, effectiveness, and costs;
Patient problems in obtaining medications;
? Various approaches to assure individuals needing such medica-
tions can obtain them; and
? Private insurance for long-term immunosuppressive drug
therapy.
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CIA-RDP92G00017R000900170010-0 rpose of the grant
organ procurement organizations?
rogram for
The National Organ Transplant Act authorized a grant program
to increase the availability of donor organs by improving the
overall organ procurement system in the United States. Grants
are for planing, establishment, initial operation, and expansion of
organ procurement organizations.
In grant awards, priority is placed upon consolidation and
I
coordination of organ procurement efforts where multiple pro-
grams exist; new approaches, such as health professional educa-
tion, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of an existing
program in increasing donor organs; and expansion of efforts
such as services in rural areas or computerization of data.
In 1988, 18 grants were awarded to organ procurement organiza-
tions in 17 cities.
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CIA-RDP92G00017R0f20.20_01.57,2919.9,..splants covered by Medicare and
t.
Medicaid?
Under Medicaid, states are permitted to determine coverage
policy for particular organ transplants, and if they provide cover-
age, the Federal Government will match expenditures. A recent
survey showed that most states offer Medicaid coverage for some
transplant costs, either as part of a formal policy or on a case-by-
case (exception) basis. Forty-six states have reimbursed for costs
associated with bone marrow transplants, while forty-one states
offered coverage for liver transplants. Thirty-three states covered
costs associated with heart transplants and fifteen states covered
heart-lung tranplant costs. Eight states have provided reimburse-
ment for pancreas transplants.
Medicare covers kidney, heart, and corneal transplants for those
who are eligible. Medicare also covers liver transplants for eligible
children with congenital liver disease (biliary atresia) and bone
marrow transplants for eligible persons with aplastic anemia or
leukemia. For the adult population, liver, pancreas, and heart-
lung transplantation is regarded as experimental and, therefore,
not covered by Medicare.
In addition, many private insurers cover selected transplant
procedures and services. Some experimental transplantation is
also covered by medical centers conducting specific research pro-
tocols.
What are the most common immunosuppressive
drugs used to prevent rejection of transplanted
organs? Does Medicare or Medicaid pay for
these drugs?
The drugs most frequently used for immunosuppressive therapy
are cyclosporine, Imuran, and prednisone.
Medicare covers drugs administered in an inpatient setting, or as
outpatient care incident to physician services. The Sixth Omnibus
Reconciliation Act provides payment for immunosuppressive
drugs for one year from the date of transplant for individuals
whose transplant is paid by Medicare. Forty-seven states offer
Medicaid coverage for outpatient immunosuppressive drugs.
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CIA-RDP92G00017R000900170010-0 ;tus of organ donation? How
many Americans carry organ donor cards?
A serious shortage of donated organs and tissues prevents many
transplants from being performed.
Potential organ donors are persons who have suffered an irrever-
sible catastrophic brain injury which results in "brain death;"
i.e., all brain activity has permanently ceased, but heart and
lungs can continue to function with the use of artificial life-
support. Only one out of 25 hospital deaths can result in an
organ donation. Conversely, 24 out of 25 deaths can result in a
tissue donation because potential tissue donors can be persons
who have died from any cause except cancer, infection, or from
a rare disease. Potential tissue donors can be persons who have
died from any cause except cancer, infection, or from a rare
disease.
A 1987 Gallup survey indicates that while 98% of Americans are
aware of organ transplants, only 20% of them carry an organ
donor card. Many states provide donor cards on the back of
their driver's licenses. Wallet-sized donor cards, such as the one
located in the back of this brochure, are available from a number
of non-profit organizations interested in organ donation.
Even if a person has a signed donor card, it is customary to
obtain permission from the family. This highlights the importance
of family discussion and understanding of each member's views
about organ donation.
Is it permissable to sell human organs?
The National Organ Transplant Act (Public Law 98-507) pro-
hibits the sale of human organs.
Violators of this provision of the law will be fined a maximum of
$50,000 and/or imprisoned for a maximum of five years.
in
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CIA-RDP92G00017R000900170010-0 te an organ(
According to the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, effective in all 50
states, anyone over the age of 18 can indicate their desire to be
an organ donor by signing a donor card or expressing their
wishes to family members. Relatives can also donate a deceased
family member's organs and tissues. Any or all organs or tissues
can be specified for donation.
The donation of tissues such as bone, skin, or corneas can occur
regardless of age and in almost any cause of death. Vital organ
donation, such as heart, kidney, or liver, occurs only in the case
of brain death and generally in individuals less than 65 years.
The medical determination of whether organs or tissues can help
others is made at the time of the donor's death.
Will the quality of hospital treatment change if
a person is a declared donor?
Absolutely not. A transplant team won't be involved until all
possible efforts to save a patient's life have failed. The criteria
used to determine brain death are based on strict medical and
legal standards. The determination of brain death must be made
by physicians who are not involved in the organ donation
process'.
11
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Who pays for the organ donation?
There is no cost to the donor family nor is there any payment
for donation. All costs are borne by the recipient of the organ
transplant or by the recipient's insurance coverage. Hospital
expenses incurred prior to the donation of organs and funeral
expenses remain the responsibility of the donor's family.
Is the body disfigured?
No. The removal of organs and tissues is a sterile, surgical
procedure. The body remains intact for burial arrangement.
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What can be done to speed up the process for
those in critical need of an organ transplant?
What about special public appeals?
Families and attending physicians need to maintain close contact
with the transplant team to keep them fully up-to-date on the
patient's condition. Families can also work with community
groups to increase public awareness of organ transplantation and
the need for organ donation.
While family appeals through the media have had a positive
effect on increasing organ donation overall, they do not always
result in an organ becoming available for the individual for
whom the appeal has been made. This is because the decision as
to which patient on a transplant waiting list will receive an organ
is a clinical decision made by attending health professionals.
How can I help?
Consider signing an organ donor card. You may use the card
provided on the flap of the back cover. Discuss organ donation
with your family so they can know your wishes and consider
signing a donor card, too.
Nearly every community has one or more voluntary or non-profit
organizations involved in educating the public about organ dona-
tion or in providing counseling or support to families who have
donated or have a member in need of an organ transplant. To
volunteer your help, check your local telephone directory for the
location of organ procurement organizations, eye banks, blood
centers, or a local chapter of the National Kidney Foundation.
In addition, the American Council on Transplantation (ACT) is
an independent, private federation of organizations, health profes-
sionals, and others interested in organ donation. Write ACT, 700
North Fairfax, Suite 505, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, for infor-
mation, donor cards, and referral to local agencies, or call 1-800-
ACT-GIVE.
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? Discuss organ donation with
family and friends.
? Decide whether you wish to be
an organ donor. The Uniform
Anatomical Gift Act of 1969
gives you the legal right to sign
a donor card specifying your
wish to donate organs or tissues
upon your death.
? If you decide to be a donor,
complete and sign the Uniform
Donor Card on this page in the
presence of two witnesses,
preferably including next of kin.
Persons under 18 years of age
must have parent's or guar-
dian's consent.
? Tell others about your decision,
especially immediate family and
physician.
? Carry your donor card at all
times.
NOTE: This inforniation is on
back panel next to donor card
in brochure.
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11 11 [IV)
U.S.MAIL
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Health Resources and Services Adknistration
Division of Organ TranspLantation
Rockville MD 20857
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use $0
HRSA
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Public -Health Service
Health Resources and Services Administration
DHHS Publication No. (HRS-M-SP) 89-1 Rev. October 1988
Postage and Fees Paid
U.S. Dept. of H.H.S.
HHS 396
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? FIRST
CLASS
Decla-s4?sif1ed and Approved.For Release 2013/12/04: CIA-RDP92G00017R000900170010-0
Ner 4181r
UNITED STATES
OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
WASHINGTON, DC 20415
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
Penalty for Prkyate Use, $300
,
ZIP + .4'
20565WEBHO CN072 0PA59 1.
HONORABLE WILLIAM H 14EpSTER
DIRECTOR ?
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGCY
WASHINGTON pc 20505-0002
s..
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