Organ trail: That $1 question isn’t an option

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We wish more state programs were funded voluntarily, so it’s hard to find fault with a state law requiring the solicitation of donations by tag agents to fund an organ donor awareness program. Still, we can understand why some agents are uncomfortable asking for the donation when citizens renew a driver’s license or car tag.

Figures released by the Oklahoma Tag Agent Group and the Department of Public Safety indicate that some tag agents apparently aren’t asking people if they wish to give $1 to the fund. Some agents are either unaware of the law or forget to ask the question. In at least a few cases, agents or their employees might be uncomfortable making the request.

A 2001 law created the mandate to ask for the contributions, according to The Oklahoman’s Ann Kelley. Among all charitable causes and medical condition awareness campaigns, the organ donation program has the singular distinction of enjoying the mandate. Backers of other causes would likely want the same treatment, but for now the organ donation fund is the only vehicle.

It’s hard to understand how agents could forget to ask when helping a customer renew a driver’s license because they already ask whether the licensee wishes to be designated as a potential organ donor.

Next time you’re hit up for the $1 donation, don’t blame the tag agencies. They’re following the law by asking a question that led to collection of nearly $150,000 in fiscal year 2009.