Department Announces Results of Organ Donation and Blind Awareness Campaign

Missouri Department of Revenue Press Release JEFFERSON CITY –The Missouri Department of Revenue (Department) announced today that during the month of October the Department encouraged all Missourians who renewed or applied for a driver license, permit or non-driver license to become an organ donor and contribute to the organ and blind awareness fund. Governor Blunt signed the new Organ Donor First-Person Consent law this summer and all 183 contract offices throughout the state were challenged with taking advantage of this significant legislation by raising money for the organ and blind awareness fund and by signing up new organ donors. A total of $29,434 was raised for organ and blind donation awareness, and over 51,000 new donors were registered during this period. "I am proud of all of our contract offices and the impact each has made in the lives of Missourians," said Omar Davis, Director of Revenue. "The gift of life through organ donation and the money raised will benefit those who need it the most and the Department is proud to be a part of this life changing initiative." Since August 28, 2008, customers obtaining new, renewal, or duplicate driver or non-driver licenses or instruction permits have been able to request that an organ donor symbol be placed on their document. This symbol indicates that the holder has enrolled in the organ and tissue donor registry. This means that any eligible Missourian who agrees to have their name in the registry has given full legal consent to the donation of their organs or tissue upon death. There will no longer be a requirement to obtain secondary consent from relatives. Applicants will be asked several detailed questions regarding their intent to register as an organ donor before the new symbol will be placed on their document. -- http://MissouriNetizen.com http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.missourinetizen.com