Steuben County Clerk Judy Hunter and her staff at the Corning DMV have received the “Soaring High Award” from Donate Life New York State for registering the highest percentage of new organ donors during National Donate Life Month in April. The recognition was highlighted at a press conference hosted by Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, along with DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder and Jayson White, deputy director of Donate Life NYS.
“Your commitment to helping save lives, not only during Donate Life Month but throughout the year, is truly an inspiration,” said Palmesano. “Thank you to Steuben County Clerk Judy Hunter and her entire DMV team for their dedication.”
Commissioner Schroeder praised the DMV staff for their role in increasing enrollments in the Organ Donor Registry, noting that over 80% of people who register do so as part of a DMV transaction. “There are thousands of people currently waiting for a transplant, and every person who enrolls gives them a chance at a precious gift of life,” Schroeder said.
Hunter said she was proud that Steuben County again led the state with more than 80% of registered motorists signing up to be organ donors. “One simple and thoughtful action is the vital step needed to save another person’s life,” she said.
County officials and nonprofit leaders also recognized the DMV staff’s contributions:
- Kelly Fitzpatrick, Chair of the Steuben County Legislature, called the staff’s work “exemplary,” noting their commitment to the welfare of all citizens.
- Aisha Tator, Executive Director of Donate Life NYS, said Steuben County consistently ranks among the top counties statewide in organ donor enrollment.
- Rob Gruenenfelder, Executive Director of Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network, highlighted the DMV staff’s dedication to documenting community members’ donor decisions.
Organ donation facts in New York:
- Nearly 8,000 New Yorkers are on the organ transplant waitlist.
- Almost 1,000 have been waiting for more than five years.
- New York’s donor enrollment rate is 52%, below the national rate of 66%.
- One donor can save up to eight lives and impact 75 more through tissue and eye donation.
Palmesano, who has personal experience with organ donation—having donated a kidney to his sister—emphasized the ongoing importance of public awareness and registration efforts.
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