April 9, 2012
Lt. Governor Roberts, Senator Maher, DMV Administrator Dwyer, donor recipients join in acknowledgement
PROVIDENCE--Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts joined Senator Frank Maher and DMV Administrator Carole Dwyer to proclaim the month of April as Donate Life Month in the state of Rhode Island. State officials recognized the work of the federally designated Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) for New England, New England Organ Bank and the Rhode Island Organ Donor Awareness Coalition (RIODAC) for their efforts to support organ and tissue donation.
"Rhode Island is proud to support Donate Life Month and thanks the Division of Motor Vehicles for their hard work and partnership with Donate Life. I am proud to have the donor heart on my driver's license," said Lt. Governor Roberts.
Last year the lives of over 240 New Englanders were saved because individuals registered as organ donors on their state driver's license or online through the Donate Life New England registry. In addition, the lives of 25,000 in this region were enhanced by tissue donations from registered tissue donors. Registering as a donor can make a very real difference in the life of someone desperately in need of a transplant. Currently, over 113,700 Americans await a life saving organ transplant that may not come in time.
Matt Boger, State Relations for New England Organ Bank shared, "Statistics show that 99.8% of all Rhode Island residents who designate themselves as an organ and tissue donor do so at the DMV. They play a very important party in the donation process." DMV Administrator Dwyer shared, "Each day, DMV staff present the opportunity to register to become a donor. Simply checking the yes box can save the lives of up to eight people. Organ transplantation is truly a miracle that can save lives."
Senator Maher shared, "I am a strong supporter of organ and tissue donation and thank the DMV for their work each day. I encourage everyone to register to donate either at the DMV or on-line at anytime at www.donateliferi.org."
Eugene Raposa, RIODAC Board member stated, "It's very inspiring to have the support of Lt. Governor Roberts, Senator Maher, and the RI DMV for Donate Life Month. We hope the people of Rhode Island decide to register today and tell their family and friends to do the same."
April is National Donate Life Month: an opportunity to continue our education efforts, celebrate the lives saved and enhanced through donation and honor the donors who made the ultimate gift.
About New England Organ Bank:
New England Organ Bank is the federally-designated, non-profit procurement organization responsible for the surgical recovery of organs and tissues for transplant throughout the New England region.
About Donate Life New England:
Donate Life New England is a joint project of two federally designated organ procurement organizations that serve New England – LifeChoice Donor Services and New England Organ Bank. They have come together to create a fast and easy way for citizens of New England to register as organ and tissue donors in a secure and confidential manner. For more information, visit www.donatelifenewengland.org.
Contact:
Matthew Boger State Relations New England Organ Bank Office: (617)-558-6627 Cell: (617)-780-6249 matt_boger@neob.org