SENATE RESOLUTION 25

(By Senators Maroney, Woelfel, Smith, Stollings, Hamilton, Plymale, Baldwin, Caputo, and Jeffries)

[Introduced February 11, 2022]

Designating February 14, 2022, as National Donor Day.

Whereas, The State of West Virginia recognizes February 14, 2022, as National Donor Day, a day to celebrate those who save and heal lives as organ, tissue, and cornea donors; and

 Whereas, The State of West Virginia recognizes Cecil F. Lockhart of Welch, West Virginia. Cecil F. Lockhart, who was a World War II veteran, became the oldest organ donor in United States history when, at age 95, he donated his liver after his death in May 2021 to a woman in her 60s, saving her life; and 

Whereas, More than 100,000 individuals in the United States, including 500 West Virginians, are currently awaiting a life-saving organ transplant; and

 Whereas, Every 10 minutes a person is added to the national transplant registry waiting list. On average, 20 people in the United States die each day because the needed organ is not donated in time; and

 Whereas, One organ donor can save the lives of eight people and heal 75 others; and

 Whereas, West Virginia encourages all residents to register as an organ, tissue, and cornea donor online at registerme.org or at their local West Virginia DMV offices or on their West Virginia hunting and fishing license application; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates February 14, 2022, as National Donor Day; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the family of Cecil F. Lockhart.