County Clerk Promotes Organ Donation During Donate Life Month

FONDA, N.Y. –This Donate Life Month, the Montgomery County Clerk’s Office is joining a statewide initiative to raise awareness about the lifesaving power of organ donation. In a poignant tribute to those who lost their lives while waiting for a transplant, the County Clerk’s Office will display 377 flags in front of the Fonda Department of Motor Vehicles, each representing a New Yorker who died last year while on the transplant waiting list.

“Each flag symbolizes a life lost, a person who could have been saved if a match had been found,” said Montgomery County Clerk Brittany Kolbe. “As we observe Donate Life Month, we urge all New Yorkers to consider the profound impact of registering as an organ donor. It is a simple decision that can change or save lives.”

The flags will remain on display throughout April as part of a broader effort to raise awareness and encourage registration for organ donation. In addition to the display, the County Clerk’s Office is highlighting the importance of organ donation and how it saves lives. More than 8,000 people in New York are currently waiting for an organ transplant, and one donor can save up to eight lives.

“Becoming an organ donor is one of the easiest yet most impactful ways to give back to others. It’s the gift of life – and it costs nothing but a moment of your time to register,” Kolbe said. “Whether you register at the DMV when renewing your license or through the online portal, every registration brings us one step closer to saving lives.”

Register to become an organ donor

Individuals can register to become organ donors by visiting their local DMV office or signing up online through the New York State Donate Life registry. By registering, they join a network of more than 8 million New Yorkers committed to making a difference.

“Donate Life Month is a time for all of us to reflect on the importance of organ donation,” Kolbe said. “We hope this visual representation of the lives lost will inspire others to take action and give the ultimate gift – the gift of life.”

“I commend the County Clerk and her team for using Donate Life Month as a critical reminder about the need for organ donors,” Montgomery County Executive Pete Vroman said. “The flag display sends a powerful, yet sobering message about this lifesaving cause.”

For more information on how to register as an organ donor, visit Donate Life New York State website at: www.donatelife.ny.gov.​