Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay is urging New Yorkers to register as organ and tissue donors during National Donate Life Month, highlighting the life-saving impact of each donor and the pressing need to grow the state’s donor registry.
“There are lots of great ways to contribute to the well-being of our communities and our state, but perhaps the most impactful way to do so is through life-saving organ and tissue donations,” Barclay said. “Becoming an organ and tissue donor is easy, and doing so affords you the chance to affirmatively and directly save the lives of your fellow New Yorkers.”
New York currently has nearly 8,000 patients on the transplant waitlist, with more than 1,000 waiting for over five years. Last year, 377 residents died while waiting for a transplant. Barclay emphasized that each registered donor can save up to eight lives and heal 75 others.
The Assembly Minority Conference marked Donate Life Month by sharing personal stories of donation. Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) recounted how his son AJ’s organs were donated after his passing, saving five lives. Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) shared his experience donating a kidney to his sister in 2006. Assemblyman Ari Brown (R-Cedarhurst) donated a kidney to a Purple Heart recipient, and Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) spoke about his wife donating to a local teacher and coach.
“These incredible stories are an inspiration, and hopefully, they help move others to boost New York’s lagging donor pool,” Barclay said.
Anyone over 16 can register with the Donate Life Registry. There is no cost to donors or their families, and medical care is never compromised by a donor’s status. Donations are considered only after death, and all related expenses are covered by the recipient or their insurer.
Barclay encouraged New Yorkers not only to register but to raise awareness through social media and by sharing donor stories. “Doing so could be one of the most impactful things you ever do,” he said.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].