More than half of eligible New Yorkers have registered to become organ and tissue donors, an increase of 22% from 10 years ago, Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Wednesday.
“This is a very important milestone for New York and the thousands of New Yorkers who are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant,” Hochul said. “It is the result of dogged efforts by advocates and my colleagues at the Departments of Motor Vehicles and Health to raise awareness about the never-ending need for organ and tissue donors. Making that decision to provide the gift of life to someone else is a great example of the giving spirit of New Yorkers.”
New York has historically struggled with low donor registration rates compared to the rest of the country. About 400 New Yorkers die each year due to a lack of available donors and nearly 8,000 New Yorkers are currently on the waitlist for a life-changing organ.
“What could be more beautiful and loving than saving a life? I am so proud that more than 50% of our New York population has registered to become organ and tissue donors through New York's Organ Donor Registry. Just one donor can save the lives of up to eight people while tissue donors can make a meaningful difference in the lives of up to 75 people," said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.
New Yorkers can register to become organ donors on the Donate Life New York State website.
