Opinion
Let Us Let Go of Restaurant

Folks Around Here Ready To Help Out

Co-op CEO Challenges Editorial

Letters To the Editor

Letters To the Editor

Editorial: Electric Co-Op Kidding Itself

Guest View: Loving Nation Means Those in It

Fire Response Shows Spirit

Discuss Drinking Before the Prom

Letters To the Editor

More
Opinion

HOME	CLASSIFIEDS	OBITUARIES	SPORTS	OPINION

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Editorial: Donating Organ May Get Easier

By

    For the 490 New Mexicans in desperate need of organ transplants, the news must have been welcome: The Motor Vehicle Division should finally be able to increase the number of organ donors in the state, by registering them online as well as in person.
    Currently, New Mexicans willing to register as donors have to wait until they need to get a new driver's license or state ID, which can mean delays of up to eight years. That system has resulted in a participation rate of just 50 percent.
    Utah saw its rate jump from 50 percent to 80 percent when it went to online registration, which is now available in 32 states.
    At the end of last year, the nonprofit New Mexico Donor Services offered to team up with MVD to apply for a federal grant to design an online donor registration system here— but the state officials declined. The antiquated MVD computer system couldn't handle it, they said.
    This week, however, MVD announced it will apply for a $100,000 grant to expand registration to the Internet, using the state's new computer system, SHARE. The grant would also underwrite a media campaign to raise public awareness of the electronic signup option, and the urgent need for organ donation.
    If the grant is approved, New Mexicans in dire need of kidneys, livers, hearts and lungs could be breathing easier by early 2009.
    And if it's not approved, Gov. Bill Richardson and lawmakers should find the money to make it happen anyway.