§274f–1 Public Awareness; Studies and Demonstrations

Summary

The Secretary must run a national public education program, working with existing campaigns, to raise awareness about organ donation and increase donation rates. The Secretary may also fund peer-reviewed studies and pilot projects with public and nonprofit groups to find ways to boost organ and living donations. The Secretary may give grants to States to support donor awareness, education, outreach, and registry work. To get a grant, a State must apply in the required form, set yearly goals to improve donation rates, and send an annual report explaining how it used the money and whether programs could be copied elsewhere. Funds can pay for education, information sharing, registry activities, and other donation projects. The Secretary will also help make and share training materials for health professionals about donation, proven ways to talk with patients and families, and cultural issues. Congress authorized $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2005 and whatever amounts are needed for fiscal years 2006 through 2009.