The Division of Transplantation and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sponsor the National Donor Recognition Ceremony and Workshops (NDRCW). The workshops and donor recognition ceremony take place in Washington, D.C. every odd numbered year for an entire weekend to honor both living and deceased donors throughout the country.

On July 22, 2007, more than 450 organ and tissue donor families as well as living organ donors were recognized at the 10th National Donor Recognition Ceremony on July 22 in Washington, D.C.

“To donate the organs of a loved one or to be a living donor is the ultimate gift one can give,” said Elizabeth M. Duke, Ph.D., administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). “We were honored to be able to pay tribute to these individuals and to remember their loved ones.”

In addition to the recognition ceremony, a full weekend program, including special workshops and an evening tour of the nation’s capital took place.

Part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, HRSA leads the national organ and marrow transplantation programs and conducts public education activities to increase awareness of the critical need for donation. Close to 100,000 people in the United States are on the national waiting list for organ donation, and 17 will die every day because a suitable organ is not available to them. Each day, 13 names are added to the list.

You can make a difference by becoming a donor. Enroll in the New York State Organ and Tissue Donor Registry.