Albany, NY - April 5, 2017 - Assemblyman Chad A. Lupinacci (R,C,I,Ref-South Huntington) spoke on the floor of the Assembly chamber today as he recognized April as the beginning of National Donate Life Month. The month-long celebration is designed to raise awareness of the life-saving role New York residents can play by registering as an organ, tissue and eye donor.
“As we enter April, National Donate Life Month begins and the need for more organ donors has become critical,” said Lupinacci. “With more than 10,000 New Yorkers on waiting lists, only 15 percent of eligible donors are registered, creating a problem for those in desperate need of a transplant. For some in need of an organ donation it can take an average of five years, and only two states, Vermont and Texas, do worse than New York in the amount of registered donors.
“Together we’ve helped save and heal the lives of many. Our efforts have increased donation awareness and have ensured tens of thousands of life-saving transplants. Still, there is much work to be done. New York’s Department of Health website has launched an online registration program for those interested in making a difference in the life of someone in need. I encourage everyone to visit their site, learn more about this important issue, and join the thousands who’ve made the decision to become an organ donor.”
New York offers three simple ways to register as an organ, tissue or eye donor:
- Enroll online through the New York State Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Health (DOH);
- Mail a printable paper form to the NYS DMV or DOH; or
- Registering at the Board of Elections.
For more information on becoming a donor, please visit the New York State Department of Health website here.
Assemblyman Lupinacci represents the 10th District, which consists of parts of Suffolk County. For more information, please visit Assemblyman Lupinacci’s Official Website.