Interview With Director of Oregon Donor Program Reveals Crucial Information (VIDEO)

Having the “D” marked on a driver’s license indicates a decision to be a donor, but if a person isn't registered, the load on their family increases. A few minutes on the Web can take the weight off the shoulders of a potential donor’s family.

(SALEM) - Donate Life Northwest, formerly known as the Oregon Donor Program, came to the state capitol Wednesday in their campaign to raise awareness about the launch of a statewide online donor registry.

Currently, nearly 1.5 million Oregonians have “D” marked on their driver’s licenses, indicating their decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor.

However, consent must be given by the potential donor’s family members. Registering through the online donor registry takes the burden off family members and serves as informed consent to become a donor.

“Too often, we see a person’s wishes to be a donor not honored because family members don’t know about their choice or won’t provide their consent,” said Mary Jane Hunt, executive director of Donate Life Northwest. “As the state’s formalized consent process, the online registry is the only way to be completely sure your wish to be a donor is honored.”

The group's director, Mary Jane Hunt, met with Salem-News.com's Tim King Wednesday to bring Oregonians up to speed on how to streamline the process.

Found at donatelifenw.org, the registry allows individuals 18 years or older to specify what they wish to donate, update their information or remove themselves from the registry at any time. The registry is administered by Donate Life Northwest, but only authorized employees of the organ, eye and tissue recovery agencies can access the database. Their phone number is (800) 452-1369.

Salem-News.com Top Stories

2025: Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

Two Wars with No Way Out

No One Owns the Future

The Ugly Origins of Trump's America First Policy

A One-State Solution Could Transform the World

Comments Leave a comment on this story.

All comments and messages are approved by people and self promotional links or unacceptable comments are denied.

Hank Ruark April 13, 2007 4:20 pm (Pacific time)

C-M, Tim: Not sure but believe that part there since sometimes person not capable of making such decision "on own". That's one reason I'm clearing my action with family now, while there's still little question...I hope ! Given some running Comments no way I can be sure...but will try it on, anyhow.

Tim King April 13, 2007 3:34 pm (Pacific time)

Curmudgeon, For me the revelation that the family has power to derail our decision was disturbing also. I think I will spare mine the problem if it were to come up unexpectedly by visiting the site and spending a couple of minutes.

Curmudgeon April 13, 2007 3:18 pm (Pacific time)

Although I have had the D on my driver's license for years, I was unaware until now that my family has more power to make this decision than I do once I'm dead. I find that disturbing. Why should someone else be allowed to countermand my decision?

Hank Ruark April 12, 2007 1:12 pm (Pacific time)

Please observe critial function of sensible question by Julie, resulting in fact not known to all: DMV prevented by constitutional dedication from this service. Thanks, Julie ! Nice to see Comment-question working for all...sure beats "political persiflage" sometimes found.

Judith Trujillo, Manager of Programs April 12, 2007 11:57 am (Pacific time)

The mechanics and legislation governing donor registries are state-specific at present. The funding source of Oregon's DMV does not permit DMV employees to perform any non-DMV related business. All ODOT proceeds (DMV is part of ODOT) are constitutionally dedicated to the Highway Fund. Any use of ODOT resources that is not connected to roads must be funded by another source or performed outside ODOT. The donor program takes the outside-ODOT route.

Tim King April 12, 2007 10:12 am (Pacific time)

Julie, the process is partially completed at the DMV when you check the "D" box, but this is like "the second part" of the process. It seems redundant, I didn't understand it before now, but I am going to visit their site today and fill in the form. Maybe in the future this could be handled at one time, let's hope so.

Julie L. April 12, 2007 9:43 am (Pacific time)

Why isn't this registration done at DMV when you check the box in the first place?

Hank Ruark April 12, 2007 6:08 am (Pacific time)

Excellent community-service piece, Tim...viewed twice, now in process of family agreement so I can "sign up"... Information calmly, clearly given erased my remainin doubts. To all: You won't see such elsewhere..."you read it here first !"

[Return to Top]

Interview With Director of Oregon Donor Program Reveals Crucial Information (VIDEO)

Quick Links

DINING

MUST SEE SALEM

AUCTIONS - APPRAISALS

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

ONLINE SHOPPING

Advertise with Salem-News