News release: April is Donate Life Month
Michelle Lujan Grisham
Governor
Stephanie Schardin Clarke
Cabinet Secretary
Media Contact: Charlie Moore
Charlie.Moore@tax.nm.gov
(505) 670-5406
April 11, 2024
MVD celebrates Donate Life Month
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division is recognizing National Donate Life Month in April and encouraging New Mexicans to become organ donors when they obtain or renew their driver’s licenses.
“Signing up to potentially save a life is as easy as checking a box,” said Taxation and Revenue Department Secretary Stephanie Schardin Clarke. “When you apply for your New Mexico license or renew one, you’ll be given the option to register as an organ donor.”
The option to sign up as an organ donor is the first question on the New Mexico driver’s license application. People of all ages and medical histories are encouraged to register.
Out of about 559,167 people issued credentials in 2023, 298,639 chose to become organ donors. That gives New Mexico a Donor Designation Rate of around 53 percent, well above the national average of 47 percent.
New Mexicans are saving more lives than ever through organ donation. Last year, a record 95 donor heroes saved more than 230 lives in our state, an 11 percent increase from 2022. Our state also celebrates a record donation of 137 kidneys and 54 livers saving more people than ever before .
Signing up while obtaining or renewing a driver’s license is the most common way for people to register as donors in New Mexico. People also can register online at donatelifenm.org.
“The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division is a crucial partner in registering organ, eye and tissue donors. In fact, approximately 97% of those who have registered to help save lives, signed up at the NM MVD,” states Wayne Dunlap, executive director of New Mexico Donor Services. “We are so thankful for our Motor Vehicle offices and the donor heroes who help save lives in our community and beyond.”
Observed in April each year, National Donate Life Month encourages Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to honor those who saved lives through the gift of donation.
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The Motor Vehicle Division strives to offer customers convenient channels to conduct their business. MVD regularly adds to services offered online and through convenient retail kiosks.
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