SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 19

(By Senators Stollings, Plymale, Unger, Jenkins, Kessler (Mr. President), Laird and Fitzsimmons)

Recognizing the contributions and efforts of all organ procurement organizations in the State of West Virginia and encouraging West Virginians to “Make the Pledge for Life” by registering to become an organ, tissue or cornea donor.

    Whereas, In 2013, there were two hundred forty-five donor families from the State of West Virginia affiliated with the Center for Organ Recovery and Education (CORE); and

    Whereas, In 2013, there were forty-four organ donors and one hundred ninety-nine tissue donors in the State of West Virginia.

    Whereas, Nearly nine hundred West Virginia adults and children are waiting for an organ transplant; and

    Whereas, West Virginians, including thirteen-year-old Jay Wessels of Charleston, who received a lifesaving heart transplant in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on October 30, 2013, are blessed with a second chance to live long and productive lives surrounded by loving and grateful families and friends; and

    Whereas, West Virginians like the late Shane Jividen, former Eleanor Volunteer Fire Chief, gave new health to six suffering individuals through selfless donation of his liver, kidneys, cornea and heart; and

    Whereas, West Virginia communities and families band together in support of organ recipients like Jay Wessels, recognizing the courage and sacrifice of donor families, who often remain anonymous even to those whose lives they save; and

    Whereas, West Virginia recipients and communities are awed and humbled by the generosity of donor families, such as the Jividen family, whose gift in the face of terrible tragedy inspires others to renewed hope and optimism; and

    Whereas, Charleston Area Medical Center, a CORE-affiliated transplant center, assisted in completing a total of twenty-seven kidney transplants in West Virginia alone in 2013; and

    Whereas, West Virginia’s own Sunday Gazette-Mail and Charleston Daily Mail have recognized the lifesaving benefits of individuals registering to donate their organs and body tissue; and

    Whereas, The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles facilitates the process of designating individuals as organ donors by allowing West Virginians to simply check the donor box on their application or renewal form for their driver’s license or photo identification at the local DMV office; and

    Whereas, The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles allows currently licensed drivers to obtain a duplicate license with an added endorsement for organ donation upon presentation of the individual’s old license and one proof of current residence; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Senate:

    That the Senate hereby recognizes the contributions and efforts of all organ procurement organizations in the State of West Virginia and encourages West Virginians to “Make the Pledge for Life” by registering to become an organ, tissue or cornea donor; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Senate recognizes the overwhelming value of lifesaving organ donation and transplant services within our own communities, and encourages all eligible West Virginians to register as donors; and be it

    Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the appropriate representatives of CORE.