National Donate Life Day was yesterday and the New York Department of Health is urging New Yorkers to make a difference and have a chance to save someone’s life by registering to be an organ donor.
“Enrolling as an organ donor is a tremendous act of kindness that can give someone the second chance at life they’ve been waiting for,” Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “I encourage all New Yorkers, if they haven’t already, to take a few minutes and join the donor registry today. Someone’s life may depend on it.”
Currently, there are nearly 8,100 New Yorkers on the national transport waiting list with some that have been waiting for years and for some, never receiving their transport in time. In 2022, over 750 New Yorkers have either died or were too sick to remain on the organ transport list.
One organ can save up to eight lives, with eye and tissue donors improving the health and lives of nearly 75 people in need. Tissue transplants can be used for breast reconstruction for cancer survivors, save the lives of burn victims, or allow someone to walk again.
Anyone who is 16 years or older can register to help save lives as an organ donor. New Yorkers can register through either the Donate Life Registry or the DMV.
