Mayor Rouse proclaims April 2025 as DMV Donate Life Month in Santa Barbara

The Santa Barbara City Council meeting on April 15, 2025, featured a significant proclamation declaring April as DMV Donate Life Month. Mayor Randy Rouse emphasized the importance of organ donation, highlighting that the initiative aims to raise awareness about life-saving organ donations and honor both donors and recipients.

During the meeting, the mayor noted that since its inception in 2003, Donate Life Month has been observed nationwide to encourage individuals to register as organ donors. He pointed out that over 23,000 Californians are currently on the national organ transplant waiting list, with an alarming statistic that 17 people die each day while waiting for a transplant. The mayor stressed the urgent need for donations, particularly within Hispanic, Latino, and African American communities.

Rouse shared that last year, organ donors saved more than 46,000 lives, the highest number recorded. He explained that a single donor can save up to eight lives through organ donations and can heal over 75 others through tissue donations. The mayor encouraged Santa Barbara residents to sign up as donors at the California Department of Motor Vehicles and provided resources for registration, including websites for both English and Spanish speakers.

The meeting also featured remarks from a local resident, Mr. Burns, who shared his personal experience of receiving a kidney transplant ten years ago. He expressed gratitude for the donor and highlighted the ongoing efforts of organ donation organizations in the area, including the newly established office of 1 Legacy in Carpinteria.

The proclamation aims to inspire community members to consider organ donation when applying for or renewing their driver's licenses or ID cards at the DMV, reinforcing the message that every donation can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.