Effort To Increase Organ Donors Delayed By ODOT Concerns

By Kristian Foden-Vencil

Published April 1, 2015 at 4:37 PM PDT

A plan to increase the number of organ donors in Oregon is being delayed by Transportation Department concerns.

Three out of four Oregonians tick the box to become an organ donor when they get a driving license.

Now the organization responsible for matching organ donors with recipients wants to add a new box - a $3 donation for outreach to attract more minority and rural donors.

But Tom McCellan with the Oregon Department of Transportation told a state senate committee that could cost hundred of thousands of dollars in computer re-programming, "Our concerns really deal with that cost and maybe it's a policy question for you, whether state employees should be collecting money on behalf of non-profit organizations."

A number of senators expressed support for the $3 box. One suggested it could be added when ODOT gets its new computer system.

Another hearing on the bill is expected next week, when fiscal impact statements should be ready.

<p>Scott Nance told the senate committee about his 16-year-old daughter, whose organs helped save the lives of several people.</p> — Scott Nance told the senate committee about his 16-year-old daughter, whose organs helped save the lives of several people.