About TRIOMission StatementTransplant Recipients International Organization, Inc. Applauds Congress and H.R. 457, The Organ Donor Leave ActContact: TRIO, Inc. Washington, D.C., July 26, 1999 - Transplant Recipients International Organization, Inc. (TRIO) welcomes the passage of The Organ Donor Leave Act (H.R. 457), today in the House of Representatives. The bill would allow federal employees who donate organs, such as kidneys, more time off to recuperate. Bruce Weir, President of TRIO and a heart recipient of eleven years, stated that "Given the critical need for increased organ donation, it is vital that the federal government lead by example in enabling more people to serve as organ donors. Each step made toward increasing organ donation is an important one. We are pleased that the House has passed this bill in support of organ donation, and we encourage the Senate to act on this." Currently, federal employees are allowed to use up to seven days of paid leave in order to donate bone marrow or organs. The Organ Donor Leave Act would extend this time to 30 days for organ donors, since organ donations generally require a longer recovery period. There are currently over 68,000 people waiting for an organ transplant, and approximately 4,000 people will die this year while waiting. Transplant Recipients International Organization, Inc., founded in 1983, is an independent, not-for-profit organization committed to improving the quality of life of transplant candidates, recipients, their families and the families of organ and tissue donors. With more than 4,000 members and nearly 50 chapters internationally, TRIO works to increase awareness about the need to donate organs and tissues, support and educate transplant candidates, recipients, donors and their families, as well as to advocate on their behalf. Return to top |
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