TITLE: Encouraging Texans to donate bone marrow and blood and to register as organ donors.

SUMMARY: Encouraging Texans to donate bone marrow and blood and to register as organ donors.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Citizens across the Lone Star State recognize the vital importance of organ, bone marrow, and blood donation; and WHEREAS, Although 95 percent of adults support organ donation, less than half of Americans are signed up to be donors; additionally, only 2 percent of the population is on the national registry for bone marrow, and while an estimated 38 percent of U.S. residents are eligible to donate blood, less than 10 percent of that group actually donates each year; and WHEREAS, In Texas, organ donors can register online through the Donate Life Texas organization or with the Texas Department of Public Safety driver's license application or renewal, and there are numerous centers for bone marrow and blood donation across the state; furthermore, under Sections 661.916-661.917, Government Code, state employees serving as organ, bone marrow, or blood donors are entitled to a leave of absence or sufficient time off without a deduction in pay; and WHEREAS, Countless men, women, and children benefit each year from the charity and sacrifice of those who donate blood, bone marrow, and organs, and it is incumbent on all Texans to learn about ways to contribute to these lifesaving procedures; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 85th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby encourage Texans to donate bone marrow and blood and to register as organ donors; and, be it further RESOLVED, That all counties and cities be encouraged to adopt the same policy as the state with regard to time off for public employees not to exceed 5 working days in a fiscal year to serve as a bone marrow donor or 30 working days in a fiscal year to serve as an organ donor, and not to exceed four times in a fiscal year to donate blood.