ULSTER COUNTY CLERK RECOGNIZES NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH

Kingston, NY – Ulster County Clerk Nina Postupack is proud to announce that the Ulster County Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is teaming up with Donate Life NYS in observance of National Donate Life Month (NDLM) in April, celebrating the lifesaving impact made by organ, eye, and tissue donors. Donate Life NYS is the statewide nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase organ, eye and tissue donation in New York State through collaborative advocacy, education, research, and promotion. The theme of 2022’s Donate Life Month, “Bee a Donor,” was inspired by the vital role bees play in sustaining life.

During the month of April, the Ulster County Clerk urges all residents to learn more about organ, eye and tissue donation and to say yes to donation while completing transactions at the DMV.  Brochures, posters and enrollment forms will be on display in the lobby of the County Office Building throughout National Donate Life Month as a reminder of the importance of the gift of life.  On Tuesday, April 19, the Ulster County Legislature, County Executive and County Clerk will be hosting a “Raise the Flag for Life” event. During this event, a Donate Life Flag will be raised at the Ulster County Office Building to encourage the public to enroll in the New York State Donate Life Registry. 

While more than 3,000 lifesaving organ transplants were performed in state last year, nearly 8,500 New Yorkers remain on the national organ transplant waitlist. In 2021, 465 patients awaiting an organ transplant in New York State died because the organ needed to save their lives was not donated in time.

“DMVs throughout the state have already helped nearly six million New Yorkers enroll in the New York State Donate Life Registry. By providing the opportunity for the public to enroll in the NYS Donate Life Registry, they are the key to saving and healing the lives of the thousands of New Yorkers in need of a transplant,” explained Aisha Tator, Executive Director of Donate Life NYS.

“Ulster County is proud to provide visitors with the opportunity to ‘bee’ a donor by enrolling in the New York State Donate Life Registry,” said Ulster County Clerk Nina Postupack. “During the entire month of April, our office will be raising awareness of the critical need for organ, eye and tissue donation in New York State and encouraging residents to say yes to being a donor.”

All New Yorkers age 16 and older can enroll in the New York State Donor Registry, regardless of their medical history.  The enrollment option is available on forms used to apply for or renew a driver license or non-driver identification card.  New Yorkers can also enroll in the Registry while applying for health insurance through the New York State Department of Health and on voter registration forms.  In addition, online enrollment is available at any time at donatelife.ny.gov/register.

Learn more about National Donate Life Month and Donate Life NYS at donatelife.ny.gov.  To make an appointment at the Ulster County DMV, please visit https://clerk.ulstercountyny.gov/countyclerk/motor-vehicles and click the “Make an Appointment” link. 

For further information on this or other outreach programs of the Ulster County Clerk’s Office, please contact County Clerk Nina Postupack at (845) 340-3040 or countyclerk[at]co.ulster.ny[dot]us, visit the office online at https://clerk.ulstercountyny.gov/countyclerk, or find us on Facebook.

 

CLICK HERE for information on the 4/19/2022 Donate Life Flag Raising!