The New York State Department of Health has never used any of the money generated through distinctive license plates and a license application check-off box to support New York's organ donation campaign.

That's according to an audit released by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.

DiNapoli says the campaign. known as the "Life Pass It On Trust Fund", had a balance of more than $1million in December 2015 and has not been used by the DOH since its inception over a decade ago.

“New Yorkers who tried to help others did not expect their money to sit unused in a bank account,” said DiNapoli. “New York ranks among the lowest nationally in registering organ and tissue donors, yet we’re sitting on $1 million that could make a real difference in the lives of New Yorkers needing an organ transplant. Too many times we’ve found that state has failed to spend the money New Yorkers have given for worthy or lifesaving causes.”

He's recommending the Department of Health establish and implement fund management controls to make sure that special revenue funds are used for their intended purposes.

You can read the complete report on the Comptroller's website.

 

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