HI HR256

Commends the National Kidney Foundation, Organ Donor Center of Hawaii, Fresenius Medical Services, Liberty Dialysis, Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, and Ohana Health Plan for raising awareness about organ donation and kidney disease.

Notes that approximately 395 people in Hawaii are waiting for a liver, kidney, or pancreas transplant, and 16 people died on the transplant waitlist in 2008.

Highlights that one donor's organs can save up to seven lives, with kidney transplants having a one-year survival rate of nearly 96 percent.

Recognizes that Hawaii residents can register as organ donors through the Donate Life Hawaii website and that the Organ Donor Center of Hawaii is the only federally-designated organization authorized to recover organs and tissue for transplant in Hawaii.

Acknowledges World Kidney Day on March 11, 2010, as an opportunity to raise awareness about kidney disease prevention and screening for diabetes and hypertension.