Jagow's office to partner in organ transplant program

Niagara County Clerk Wayne Jagow announced this week that his office will once again be partnering with Upstate New York Transplant Services during the month of April to promote organ, eye and tissue donation throughout Niagara County and New York state. The program is responsible for saving and improving the lives of thousands of New Yorkers in dire need of transplants.

"April is National Donate Life month, and I can't think of a better way to promote saving lives than working with UNYTS to encourage people to say yes to becoming an organ or tissue donor," Jagow said. "Our office staff at all three DMV locations in Niagara County are really excited and pleased to be involved with this vital program."

Currently 11 percent of potential donors enroll in the New York State Donate Life Registry, more than three times below the 43 percent national average. New Yorkers make up 10 percent of those on the transplant list with more than 105,000 men, women and children waiting for potentially lifesaving transplants.

Niagara County DMV offices will have brochures, posters and enrollment forms available, alerting customers of the donor crisis and asking them to enroll in the Donate Life Registry. Interested customers can also enroll by checking off the organ donor box on any license or non-driver ID card transaction (MV-44, MV-2) or if renewing through the mail using form MV-2L.

"Nineteen people die every day due to the lack of available organs; 98 percent of New Yorkers enroll in the New York State Life Registry through local DMV offices, which makes our efforts on this behalf even more important." Jagow said, "As county clerk, my office can make a significant difference in increasing the numbers of donors though our constant contact with residents, and we are honored to work with UNYTS to make their goal of a significantly increased registry a reality."