The Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder's Office recently was recognized by the Donor Awareness Council for having the highest percent average of people joining the Colorado organ and tissue registry for 2008.

Seventy four percent of people that walk into Arapahoe County Motor Vehicle offices agree to be a donor as compared to the 60 percent statewide average. Last year, there were 115 organ donations in Colorado and 50 percent of those were authorized by the Colorado and Wyoming donor registries.

"Each time someone comes into our office to renew their license, we ask if they would like to register to become an organ donor," said Clerk and Recorder Nancy A. Doty. "We believe it is important that everybody is asked this question so people know they have the option. My staff has been very dedicated about informing citizens and it has benefited many needy recipients."

About 43.1 percent of the people using the Clerk and Recorder's Driver's License office contribute to the donor awareness fund. The state average is 23 percent.

The Donor Awareness Council is a nonprofit coalition formed to increase organ and tissue donations through public awareness and education. Everyone who visits a Driver's License office is asked if they would like to be an organ and tissue donor, and if they would like to donate $1 or more to the donor awareness program.

If you are interested in becoming an organ donor, please visit www.donatelifecolorado.org.