State Assemblyman, R-Pulaski
New York is one of the most populous states in the nation, yet we continue to have one of the lowest rates of registered organ donors. April is Donate Life Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of becoming a registered organ donor. There are approximately 10,500 patients awaiting organ transplants, 1,700 of which have been waiting five years or more for a transplant.
In the past, New York kept an outdated system and required organ donors to fill out and mail forms indicating their preferences. In recent years, New York State Department of Health has created an online registry form, which has made it much easier for people to elect to become a registered organ donor. In 2012, the state also enacted legislation that required the Department of Motor Vehicles to ask people on their drivers’ license applications if they would like to become an organ donor. New Yorkers are prompted to select “Yes” or “Not at this Time” on the application form. Prior to this law, this was an optional question. This application change became known as Lauren’s Law, named after Lauren Shields, a 12-year-old girl who received a heart transplant and became an advocate to improve donation rates for our state after her life was saved. Despite these improvements, we still need to raise more awareness about organ donation and increase our state’s rate.
Registered donors have the option to donate all organs or elect specific organs to donate. One person who donates organs such as a heart, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas and intestines can save up to eight lives, while a tissue donor (corneas, bone, skin, heart valves, tendons, veins, etc.) can improve 58 lives by restoring eyesight, helping fight infections in burn patients, and preventing the loss of mobility and disability. Continue reading
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You have the power to SAVE Lives
We are asking you to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor today.
In California:
Donate LIFE California | Done VIDA California
Nationwide:
Organ Donor | Donate Life America
You have the power to SAVE Lives
We are asking you to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor today.
In California:
Donate LIFE California | Done VIDA California
Nationwide:
Organ Donor | Donate Life America
To ensure donation happens, please share your decision with your family. At stake is the legacy you wish to leave.
from Donate Life Organ and Tissue Donation Blog℠ http://ift.tt/26BjrBn
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