More than 1,000 hearts, kidneys and other organs are successfully transplanted each year within New York, thanks to hundreds of individuals who donate their organs and body tissues after death, according to Assemblyman Bill Reilich (R,C,I-Greece).
Noting that April is National Donate Life Month, Reilich said the state Health Department operates the New York State Organ and Tissue Donor Registry, which maintains the names of individuals who wish to donate their useful organs upon death.
Assemblyman Reilich noted more than 70,000 people across the country await organ transplants. He said a person who donates organs can save up to eight lives, while a tissue donor can improve the lives of a dozen patients.
Enrollment in the Organ and Tissue Donor Registry declares an individual’s intention to donate organs and tissues after death. A local organ procurement organization or tissue bank informs the family of each donor’s decision.
Individuals may enroll automatically for the donor registry by checking the donor box on their driver license or non-driver identification card. Donors may also enroll or receive more detailed information by visiting the state Health Department’s Web site at www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/donor.