Web Site Makes It Easy to Donate Organs

Starting today, N.C. residents can register online to become organ donors. The site: www.verybigheart.com.

Until now, donors registered when they renewed their driver’s licenses through the state Department of Motor Vehicles. The online registry was created by Donate Life North Carolina, a group of transplant-related organizations. It links to the list of potential donors registered with the DMV. But registrants don’t have to be N.C. residents.

S.C. legislators have approved the creation of a similar online registry, expected to be unveiled this fall.

"Now people won’t have to wait five years or eight years to go to the DMV when it’s time to renew their license," said Debbie Gibbs of LifeShare of the Carolinas, the donor-procurement agency for southwestern North Carolina. "We tried to make it easy for them."

Many states have online donor sign-ups. Those who register will receive return e-mails with confirmation numbers. The registry is accessed by donor procurement agencies only when someone dies and their organ becomes eligible for donation.

Last year, N.C. legislators took another step to increase organ donation by making the driver’s license designation legally binding. Previously, a driver’s intention could be overturned by family members. Transplant experts say it’s still important to share your wishes with loved ones. Currently, about 45 percent of N.C. drivers have red hearts on their licenses, indicating their intent to donate.

Details:

–www.lifesharecarolinas.org or 704-512-3303.

–www.lifepoint-sc.org or 843-763-7755.

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