PUTNEY — State Rep. Mike Mrowicki, D-Putney, said that the House Human Services Committee took testimony that a glitch in the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicle's computer systems has contributed to Vermont's last-in-New England ranking for potential organ donors.
Maine has recorded more than 500,000 potential donors. New Hampshire has more than 300,000 in its database, while Vermont only has 19,000 potential donors.
Mrowicki said that while Vermonters have been checking off the box for “organ donor” on their drivers' license forms, that information has not been flowing from the DMV to the New England Organ Bank, the regional coordinator for organ donors and donations.
Mrowicki said that Gov. Peter Shumlin and the Legislature have created an Organ Transplant Advisory Council to oversee corrections to the current database, and ensure that things work as they should moving forward.
Among those offering testimony were Brattleboro resident and heart transplant recipient Art Magnaghi. He shared how, after his heart deteriorated because of two heart attacks, the New England Organ Bank located a heart that was implanted at a Boston hospital.
Vermonters who have already signed up as organ donors through the DMV will be entered into the database. People may also sign up online at www.donatelifevt.org.