ULSTER COUNTY CLERK RECOGNIZES APRIL AS NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH AND URGES RESIDENTS TO CONSIDER ORGAN DONATION

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 2023’s Donate Life Month, “Make a Splash,” was inspired by the natural world of a pond coming to life in the spring.

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. 

While nearly 3,400 lifesaving organ transplants were performed in state last year, more than 8,100 New Yorkers remain on the national organ transplant waitlist. In 2022, more than 400 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.

"As the Ulster County Clerk, I am thrilled that we can offer visitors the chance to make a life-saving impact by enrolling in the New York State Donate Life Registry while conducting any license, permit, or non-driver ID transaction," said County Clerk Nina Postupack. "Throughout the month of April, our office is dedicated to raising awareness of the critical need for organ, eye, and tissue donation in New York State. We urge all residents to consider saying 'yes' to being a donor and making a profound difference in the lives of others."

Regardless of your medical history, all New Yorkers aged 16 and above can the New York State Donor Registry through forms used to apply for or renew a driver's license or non-driver identification card. By choosing to donate, you have the potential to save up to eight lives through organ donation, restore sight with cornea donations, and enhance the lives of 75 others with tissue donation.

To register, simply visit donatelifenys.org/register, and take the first step towards giving someone a second chance at life. Your kindness can make a lasting impact and create a legacy of compassion and generosity.

Learn more about National Donate Life Month and Donate Life NYS at donatelifenys.org and 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, or find us on Facebook.

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