City of Santa Maria
Santa Maria, California
Proclamation
Santa Maria
Stbri
ai-Amedta city
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WHEREAS, organ, tissue, marrow, and blood donation are life-giving acts recognized worldwide as expressions of compassion to those in need; more than 100,000 individuals nationwide; more than 20,000 in California are currently on the national organ transplant waiting list; and, on average, 17 people die each day while waiting due to the shortage of donated organs; and
WHEREAS, the need for donated organs is especially urgent in Hispanic, Latino, and African American communities; and
WHEREAS, a single individual's donation of the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and small intestine can save up to eight lives; donation of tissue can save and heal the lives of more than 75 others; and a single blood donation can help three people in need; and
WHEREAS, millions of lives each year are saved and healed by donors of organs, tissues, marrow, and blood; the spirit of giving and decision to donate are not restricted by age or medical condition; and California residents interested in saving a life through living kidney donation are encouraged to visit www.LivingDonationCalifomia.org for more information; and
WHEREAS, Santa Maria residents can sign up with the Donate Life California Registry when applying for or renewing their driver's licenses or ID cards at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ALICE M. PATINO, Mayor of the City of Santa Maria hereby recognize April 2023 as:
"NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH"
in the City of Santa Maria, and encourage everyone to check "YES!" when applying for or renewing their driver's license or ID card, or by signing up at donateLIFEcalifomia.org or doneVIDAcalifomia.org.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and have caused the Seal of the City of Santa Maria to be affixed hereto this 4' day of April 2023.
Alice M. Patino, Mayor