One person can save 8 lives: New Yorkers are encouraged to become organ donors

The New York State Department of Health is encouraging New Yorkers to register on the public organ donation registry, reports Silive.

October 7 marked the annual Donor Registration Day in New York. According to the health department, an estimated seven million people have already registered.

Nearly 8500 people are awaiting organ, eye and tissue transplants. Some of them have been waiting for transplantation for years.

Most people need a kidney donation. More than 7200 New Yorkers are undergoing dialysis while awaiting kidney donation, according to a press release.

“Entering on the public life donation registry is a meaningful way to save and change lives,” New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said in a statement. “The decision to become an organ donor will give people waiting for transplants a new chance at life. And I encourage all New Yorkers to sign up today if they haven't already."

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In 2021, 820 people, including several under the age of 18, were removed from transplant waiting lists. Many died before the organ became available.

All New Yorkers over the age of 16 are eligible to register as organ donors. Donors can determine what they want to donate, including specific organs and tissues. And also determine whether the donation is for transplantation or research, or both. Organ donors can save the lives of as many as eight people.

To learn more about registration, visit the website Donate Life NYS.

“When you visit our offices to obtain approval or to renew or upgrade your license, please consider joining the registry. Just a few minutes of your time can lead to years of happiness for so many families across our state,” DMV Commissioner Mark JF Schroeder said in a statement.

New Yorkers can enroll as organ donors in a variety of ways, in addition to registering directly through the New York State Life Donor Registry:

• Register via New York Department of Motor Vehicles or complete the donation section on your application to renew your driver's license or non-driver's ID.
• Fill in this paper form or online form when registering to vote.
• Complete the donation section on the NYC ID application using IDNYC programs.