A HOUSE RESOLUTION encouraging the citizens of this state to recognize each april as organ donation month.
Whereas, in 2007, 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; 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, North Carolina Trial Lawyers, and various organ procurement organizations; and
Whereas, in 2008 North Carolina may have had one of the single largest increases in organ donation transplants in the United States; and
Whereas, during that same year, the North Carolina Eye Bank reported that there was over a 50% increase in corneal transplants in North Carolina; and
Whereas, one tissue donation can save or improve the lives of as many as 50 people, and one organ donor can save the lives of up to eight people; and
Whereas, by September 2010 more than 218 North Carolinians had given the gift of organ donation but, unfortunately, by October 2010 more than 140 people had died in North Carolina waiting for a lifesaving transplant; and
Whereas, as of January 2011, there were more than 3,400 North Carolinians on the waiting list for organ donation; and
Whereas, it is imperative that the citizens of this State become aware of the importance of organ donation; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives supports organ donation and encourages the citizens of this State to recognize the month of April of each year as Organ Donation Month.
SECTION 2.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.