County Clerk Kendall and County Executive Molinaro Partner To Promote Organ Donation
Making Dutchess County stronger, safer, healthier, and kinder through lifesaving donations
Poughkeepsie, New York: In recognition of Donate Life Month, Dutchess County Clerk Bradford Kendall and Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro are encouraging the “Dutchess County family” to make a difference and give the gift of life by enrolling in the New York State Donate Life Registry. As a registered organ donor, New York residents have the option to provide organ, eye and tissue donations through the statewide registry. With nearly 10,000 New Yorkers in need of a lifesaving organ transplant, one donor can save up to 8 lives and provide 75 others with improved sight and mobility.
Throughout the month of April, Dutchess County Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices are partnering with the New York Alliance for Donation (NYAD) by encouraging visitors to learn more about donation and to enroll in the organ donor registry. Enrolling in the organ donor registry ensures that an individual’s wishes about donation are known at the time of their death. Without donor registration, families must make the decision about donation in what is often the worst moment of their lives – the sudden and unexpected loss of a loved one.
“It takes just minute to sign up as an organ donor and potentially make a life-saving difference for so many others. This selfless act leaves a legacy long after we’re gone,” Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said. “New York lags behind in donors, together we can change that. I encourage everyone to sign up and help save a life today.”
New Yorkers age 16 and older can enroll by signing the organ donor consent certification portion of the forms to apply or renew a driver license or non-driver identification card. Forms are available at all DMV offices. When you enroll through this method, a red heart symbol and the words “Organ Donor” are printed on the front of your driver license or non-driver identification card at no extra cost
“DMV offices are on the frontlines of this battle. This is where New Yorkers can make the important decision to be a hero to a person in need and give the gift of life,” explained Aisha Taylor, Executive Director of NYAD. “Promoting organ donation in the DMV offices during Donate Life Month will make a huge impact on enrollment numbers. The more awareness we build around donation, the more lives we can save and improve.”
“One of the most selfless things that we can do is give the gift of life to someone in need,” said Dutchess County Clerk and President of the New York State Association of County Clerks Brad Kendall. “At DMV, we directly interact with residents every day and the opportunities to make a difference are endless. The New York State Donate Life Registry is a critical resource to make a positive impact on someone else’s life.”
