Florida Governor Bush Approves Specialty License Plate To Support Organ Donations

Main Category: Transplants / Organ Donations
Article Date: 22 Jun 2006 - 1:00 PDT

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Florida Governor Jeb Bush yesterday signed into law a "Donate Organs-Pass It On" specialty license plate.

The license plate, which should be available to Florida drivers in the next six months, is the culmination of a campaign launched in 2004 by Miami-based Transplant Foundation, Inc.

Eli Compton, Executive Director of the Transplant Foundation, said the plate will not only raise much-needed funds to support transplant programs around the state, but will also increase public awareness and increase organ and tissue donation.

The "Donate Organs - Pass It On" specialty plate will feature a beautiful, bright sunrise reflecting against the Atlantic Ocean.

"It symbolizes a new day, a new beginning, a new life," said Compton. "Currently there is a critical need for organ and tissue donors. More than 90,000 people are presently on an organ donor waiting list. An average of 17 people die each day waiting for a transplant. This license plate will save more lives."

The specialty tag will cost $25 more than a standard tag. The price of a regular plate is determined by the vehicle's weight and any additional fees assessed by the county tax collector. The additional proceeds, according to Compton, will be used in the areas of research, patient services and education. Tampa, Jacksonville, Gainesville, Orlando and Miami offer medical facilities specializing in transplants.

Transplant Foundation, affiliated with the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami, is a 501 (c) (3) dedicated to funding patient services, public education to increase organ donation and lifesaving transplant research. The goal is to provide the Gift of Life to all in need.

For more information, please contact Transplant Foundation at 305 817-5645 or visit http://www.transplantfoundation.org

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