MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2017 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Harkins, Kirby, Fillingane, Burton, Caughman, Frazier, Jackson (11th), McMahan, Parker
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017, AS "DONATE LIFE DAY IN MISSISSIPPI" AND ENCOURAGE CITIZENS TO WEAR BLUE AND GREEN TO PROMOTE THE SUCCESS OF ORGAN, EYE AND TISSUE TRANSPLANTATION.
WHEREAS, National Donate Life Month (NDLM) was instituted by Donate Life America and its partnering organizations in 2003. Celebrated in April each year, NDLM features an entire month of local, regional and national activities to help encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to celebrate those that have saved lives through the gift of donation; and
WHEREAS, National Blue & Green Day 2017 is Friday, April 21. During the day, the public is encouraged to wear blue and green, hold events and fundraisers, and partner with local restaurants, malls, media and community organizations in an effort to promote the success or organ, eye and tissue transplantation and the extreme need for registered donors; and
WHEREAS, Donate Life America was inspired by the concept of the pinwheel for the 2017 National Donate Life Month artwork. A pinwheel evokes various images and meanings, but the strongest association revolves around opportunity and energy; and
WHEREAS, the pinwheel is symbolic of an instrument that turns obstacles into opportunities. The pinwheel's ability to capture and pass on energy parallels one's potential to make LIFE possible. Each Donate Life pinwheel has four sails supported by one stem, symbolizing the power one person has to be an organ, eye, tissue or living donor. For recipients, donation can turn sickness and injury into a second chance at life. For donors, their decision to register can turn a sorrowful time into a source of comfort for family as a result of renewed life for others; and
WHEREAS, the pinwheel reminds us that we all have the potential to capture and pass on life, comfort and hope to others by registering as a donor. This April, we encourage you to stop to feel the breeze, watch the pinwheels and think of the lives of those touched by donation and transplantation; and
WHEREAS, we wish to commend and thank organizations for their efforts in educating and registering others as organ, eye and tissue donors:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby designate Friday, April 21, 2017, as "Donate Life Day in Mississippi" and encourage citizens to wear blue and green to promote the success of organ, eye and tissue transplantation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency, forwarded to the State Board of Health for dissemination to the public and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.