Organ donation is a vital and often-overlooked aspect of healthcare and Bay Ridge Council Member Justin Brannan is hoping to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation through a new campaign, reports The Brooklyn Eagle.
Brannan, who has been diagnosed with keratoconus — a rare eye disease that can lead to blindness — and was a corneal transplant recipient in his late 30s has become a Brooklyn-based health advocate in support of organ donation. His campaign includes a variety of initiatives, such as outreach to local hospitals, schools and community organizations.
He also plans to launch a social media campaign to raise awareness about the need for organ donation.
"Vision impairment can be chaotic: The everyday activities you take for granted become impossible," Brannan said. "Basic eye care is a fundamental need, not a luxury. In the greatest city in the world, no one should be too poor see."
The need for organ donors is great, and Brannan hopes that his campaign will help to increase the number of people who register as donors.
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing, there are currently over 100,000 people waiting for organ transplants in the United States. In New York State alone, over 10,000 people are waiting for organs and Brannan’s campaign is an important step in raising awareness about the issue.
Brannan’s campaign is an important reminder of the need for organ donation and the impact that it can have on the lives of those in need. And as Brannan's campaign grows, he continues to work tirelessly to pass legislation to provide free eye exams and glasses to low-income New Yorkers, as not everyone has access to these things.
"I want to share my story, and encourage you to consider signing up to become an organ donor," said Brannan. "You can literally save lives."
