Augusta – Every year Maine trade school and high school competitions showcase the creativity and advocacy to become an organ donor. This year, all the winners of the New England Donor Service High School poster contest came from Freeport High School.
New England Donor Services (NEDS) is a federally designated organ procurement organization.
On Wednesday, May 28th, they gathered outside the Motors Vehicle Bureau in Augusta to celebrate these four students and bring awareness to organ donation.
About 54% of Maine who receive a new license or state ID have chosen to become organ donors, according to Maine Secretary of State Shena Bellows.
“Registration as an organ donor is very safe,” said Matt Boger, director of government relations for Donor Services in New England. “It has no impact on your healthcare, and it is important to get that heart into your license.
“Around the state, most main people are actually organ donors and I know that it gives me hope,” Bellows said.
The number one winner of this year was Cole Bowen, a sophomore in Freeport High School.
Bowen says his poster is a silhouette of his father's boat. He says he was inspired by his uncle, who donates kidneys to his best friend.
“For my statement, I said, 'I'm floating someone',” Bowen said. “I think that's a good connection between Maine and donations.”
A photo of the number one poster for Cole Bowen.
Last year, Neds says it coordinated organ donation from 648 individuals, resulting in a transplant that saved 1,570 lives.
According to Secretary Bellows, 72,000 Mainers have chosen to become organ donors in April alone.
List of contest winners (all from Freeport HS):
1st place – Cole Bowen
2nd place – Jacoby Brehm
3rd place – IanGuzman
Honorable mention – McKenzie Mills
