More People Log On To State-Operated Living Wills Web Site

Advance Health Care Directive Registry

. It is a place where people can file a living will in case of an emergency.

"By putting it down on paper, it gives the hospital and doctors the exact information they need. It also lets family members know what someone's exact wishes are," said Secretary of State Elaine Marshall.

Marshall said that during the month of March, the registry received 500,000 hits, which is 10 times the usual number of hits in February. She believes the increase was prompted by the death of Terri Schiavo.

The registry is found on the North Carolina secretary of state's

Web site

. In addition to a living will, the registry also contains documents pertaining to organ donation and power of attorney.