Secretary Thompson will pay tribute to organ and tissue donors and donor families at the National Donor Recognition Ceremony on July 8 in Washington, D.C. Some 150 donors and donor families are expected. The ceremony is a collaborative effort between HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration and the National Kidney Foundation’s National Donor Family Council.

The ceremony will feature a video presentation of participating living donors and deceased donors whose families are representing them at the program. The National Donor Family Quilt, created by donor families across the country, also will be on display during the event.

WHO:           Tommy G. Thompson
                      HHS Secretary for Health and Human Services
                      Kenneth P. Moritsugu, M.D., M.P.H.
                      Deputy Surgeon General and Donor Father and Husband

WHEN:         July 8, 2001
                      1 – 3 p.m.

WHERE:      Omni Shoreham Hotel
                      2500 Calvert Street, N.W.
                      Washington, DC 20008
                       Telephone: (202) 234-0700

CONTACT:  Kay Templeton Garvey
                      HRSA Communications, (301) 443-3376
                      Weekend: (703) 281-1306

NOTE: Donors and donor families will be available for interviews in the press area after the ceremony.

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