Charleston, WV (WOAY) West Virginians now have a new way to give the gift of life.
State officials announced that residents can now register as organ, eye, and tissue donors while registering to vote or updating their voter registration.
The change comes through House Bill 4638, a partnership between the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office and the Center for Organ Recovery and Education (CORE).
Since the law took effect on June 8, nearly 250 people have already signed up to become organ donors.
West Virginia is now just the second state in the nation to offer donor registration through the voter registration process.
More than 500 West Virginians are currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.
Officials say registering as a donor is completely voluntary and does not affect a person’s voter registration or eligibility.
One organ donor can save up to eight lives, while tissue donation can help more than 75 others.
Residents can learn more about organ, eye, and tissue donation at DonateLifeWV.org.
