A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT Establishing organ donation awareness month.
Whereas, the Heart Prevails legislation was introduced by State Representatives Dale Folwell, Hugh Holliman, Debbie Clary, and William Wainwright and signed into law by Governor Michael F. Easley in 2007, and
Whereas, North Carolina may have had one of the single largest increases in organ donation transplants in the United States in 2008; and
Whereas, 180 people died in 2008 in North Carolina waiting for a transplant; and
Whereas, more than 3,000 North Carolinians are currently on the waiting list for organ donation; and
Whereas, one tissue donation can save or improve the lives of as many as 50 people; and
Whereas, one organ donor can save the lives of up to eight people; and
Whereas, according to the North Carolina Eye Bank there was over a 50% increase in corneal transplants in 2008 in North Carolina; and
Whereas, the Heart Prevails legislation was supported by the North Carolina Hospital Association, North Carolina Medical Society, North Carolina Hospice, North Carolina Eye and Tissue Bank, North Carolina Funeral Home Examining Board, North Carolina Medical Examiner, North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, Mrs. United States of America 2006–Shannon Devine, North Carolina Trial Lawyers, and various organ procurement organizations; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Chapter 103 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 103‑12.  Organ Donation Awareness Month.
The month of April of each year is designated as Organ Donation Awareness Month in North Carolina."
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.