A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO designatE the month of april of each year as organ donation awareness month AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE ACT SHALL BE ENTITLED "DUFFY'S LAW."
Whereas, according to the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS), more than 116,000 people are waiting for organ transplants nationally, and according to Carolina Donor Services (CDS), more than 3,500 of those people are in North Carolina; and
Whereas, an average of 18 people awaiting transplants die each day due to the severe shortage of donated organs; and
Whereas, every 10 minutes another name is added to the national transplant waiting list; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles plays a critical role in maintaining the North Carolina state donor registry, with 99% of donors having registered when receiving their North Carolina drivers license or ID card; and
Whereas, one organ donor can save the lives of up to eight people and improve the lives of many more through tissue and cornea donation; and
Whereas, North Carolinians are encouraged to get the facts about donation and discuss their wishes with their families and physicians, and if they decide to become donors, to sign a legal donor card, put the heart on their drivers license, and enroll on a donor list; and
Whereas, the State of North Carolina joins health care professionals, volunteers, educators, government agencies, faith‑based and community groups, and private organizations in an effort to boost the numbers of organ, tissue, eye, blood, bone marrow, and stem cell donors throughout North Carolina; 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 shall be known as "Duffy's Law."
SECTION 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law.