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Organ donation postage stamp unveiled in Washington, DC.

The long awaited postage stamp commemorating organ and tissue donation was unveiled Thursday, November 6, 1997 in Washington, DC at a ceremony presided over by Postmaster General Marvin Runyon. Also on hand were several distinguished guests including Senator Mike DeWine (R-OH), Senator Bill Frist (R-TN), Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), and Congressman Joe Moakley (D-MA). The postage stamp was designed by Andy Levine of New York and features the words Organ and Tissue Donation and Share Your Life.

The unveiling highlights the commitment of the US Postal Service and countless numbers of individuals who were responsible for raising support for the stamp to the cause of organ and tissue donation. Also on hand were Gary Rouse, current President of Organ Transplant Recipients of Southwest Michigan TRIO, and Ann and Ed Heyn Jr., wife and son of Ed Heyn. Ed Heyn, past President of Organ Transplant Recipients of Southwest Michigan TRIO, first initiated the idea of the stamp for organ and tissue donation in 1989 and he and, after his death, Gary Rouse have been instrumental in raising over 400,000 signatures in support of the stamp.

The stamp is the fourth in the 1998 series and will be formally introduced during the summer of 1998. It will be available for purchase thereafter. Congratulations to all who worked so hard to make this happen! Thanks to you, the message of organ and tissue donation will be carried to millions of people next year!