MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced that 45,000 Wisconsin residents joined the orange “donor dot” pledge program over the past six months – continuing Wisconsin’s leadership in organ donation. The Governor made the announcement during the 15th annual Gift of Life Medal Ceremony to honor families whose departed loved ones donated their organs.
“Wisconsin’s leadership in organ donation continues to ensure a better life for hundreds of families across the state,” Governor Doyle said. “I want to thank the thousands of Wisconsin citizens who have talked to their loved ones and made an organ donation pledge. As the need for organ donations rises, we must continue to raise awareness for this critical cause, and express our profound gratitude to the families who support their loved one’s wish to give the gift of life.”
In 2007, there were 225 organ donors in Wisconsin, resulting in almost 600 transplants. Today, Governor Doyle recognized these donors and presented a Governor’s Gift of Life Medal to each family whose departed loved ones donated their organs last year. The need for organ donation is growing, and 1,436 patients in Wisconsin are currently on waiting lists for organs, including 28 children. Nearly 60 percent of these patients have been waiting more than one year.
Wisconsin continues to lead the nation in many areas of organ donation. In addition to the 45,000 new orange “donor dot” participants, over 50 percent of Wisconsin residents have expressed their intent to donate.
Last March, Governor Doyle signed the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act into law, which recognizes first-person consent and creates a framework for Wisconsin to establish the Wisconsin Donor Registry. Governor Doyle also enacted a law which allows for the creation of a Donate Life license plate. Funds from the plates, which will be available later this year, will support efforts to increase awareness for organ donation and the registry.
Governor Doyle thanked the University of Wisconsin Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) and the Wisconsin Donor Network for hosting the ceremony, and for their service to Wisconsin. The Governor also congratulated the UW OPO on being the sole OPO recognized by U.S. Department of Health and Human Service Organ Transplantation Breakthrough Collaborative for excellence in all performance areas.
