FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2014
Contact:  Raphaelle A. Silver
(207) 626.8400

Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap Joins New England Organ Bank in Celebrating April as Donate Life Month in Maine

AUGUSTA – On Wednesday, April 2, 2014, Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap will hold a press conference with New England Organ Bank and Governor LePage’s Senior Health Policy Advisor, Holly Lusk, at the State House in the Welcome Center at 10:00 a.m. to present Governor LePage’s proclamation designating April as Donate Life Month in Maine.

April is National Donate Life Month and is recognized as an opportunity to highlight education efforts, celebrate the lives saved and enhanced through donation, and honor the donors who made the ultimate gift.  There are more than 120,000 Americans, with over 5,000 in New England, waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. Maine residents may become registered donors at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) when renewing or applying for a driver’s license or state identification card or at any time by visiting the Department of the Secretary of State online at the Organ Donor Registry.

Ms. Lusk, on behalf of the Governor’s Office, will deliver the proclamation. State Senator Brian Langley, State Representative Megan Rochelo and Dr. Sheila Pinette, Director of Maine Center for Disease Control, have been invited to speak on the importance of organ donation in Maine.  Mainers who have been touched by organ donation will share the impact it has had on their lives. Members of the Organ Donation Advisory Council will also be in attendance.

New England Organ Bank is the federally-designated, non-profit procurement organization responsible for the recovery of organs and tissues for transplant throughout the New England region. For more information please visit New England Organ Bank.