When people apply for a driver license or state identification card from ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division, they have the opportunity to give as well as receive. Thousands are checking the box on the application to instantly put them on the organ and tissue donor registry, an action that could potentially save and heal countless lives.

Sara Pace Jones, spokesperson for the Donor Network of Arizona, says the registry numbers have increased dramatically since the check box was added in early 2008. Until then, the easiest option was to fill out an online form and submit it.

According to Pace Jones, through the first six months of the year, 142,000 people signed up to be organ donors. Of those, 135,000 came through MVD. That percentage is similar to what’s happening nationwide, as more donor registry organizations partner with motor vehicle departments.

After people check the donation box, they receive a letter from Donor Network of Arizona, giving them detailed information about the program and assigning them a user name and password that will enable them to modify their donation decisions.

Even though registrations are up in the state, Pace Jones says the donor designation percentage in Arizona is 19 percent compared to a national average of 38 percent. “We know the majority of Arizonans are supportive,” she notes. “We want make sure they’re aware of the check box option.”

A campaign called “Live it. Give it. Check it.” is underway to accomplish that.  It consists of a variety of display and promotional materials in MVD offices to spread the word.

MVD East Central Region Manager, Anne Yanofsky, who has been actively involved in the organ donor project, says, “We’re happy to provide an easy way for people to sign up for the donor registry and we’re very pleased that thousands are taking advantage of it, and thousands more are benefiting from our partnership.”