(Long Island, NY) “Donor Day is a time to focus on all types of organ donation – including organ, eye, tissue, blood, platelets and marrow – by participating in blood/marrow drives or donor registration events,” said Senator Kemp Hannon (R-Nassau). “It’s also a day to recognize our loved ones who have given the gift of donation or have received a donation.”
Hannon stressed the importance of choosing to be an organ donor in New York State, and reminds everyone that donating an organ is saving a life. More than 10,000 New Yorkers are on waiting lists as the need for organ, tissue and blood donations far exceeds the supply.
(L to R): Mike Sosna and Senator Hannon, displaying Hannon’s Resolution proclaiming February 14th as “Donor Day” in New York State. Photo Credit: NYS.
“Every 13 hours, someone dies waiting for an organ transplant in New York,” said Hannon. “More than 8,000 await kidneys, over 1,300 need livers, and hundreds more need hearts, pancreases and lungs. One person who donates their organs can save the lives of up to eight people.”
Hannon and Mike Sosna, a volunteer and director of Long Island TRIO (Transplant Recipients International Organization), have worked together to educate the public about organ donation, correct donation misconceptions, and create greater willingness to donate.
“Long Island TRIO is committed to improving the quality of lives touched by the miracle of transplantation through support, advocacy, education and organ donation awareness,” said Sosna.
Senator Hannon, Chairman of the New York State Senate Health Committees, is prioritizing organ donation reform in NYS on the 2016 health care agenda. “The lack of a functioning registry for people willing to make organ donations serves as a total throttle on those who can make donations and cuts down on the donations,” said Hannon.
Efforts to improve the system have been ongoing for years. Nationally, an average of 22 people per day die waiting for a transplant. In 2012, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation to boost the number of New Yorkers who register for organ and tissue donation. New York has one of the lowest organ donor rates in the nation.
“By raising awareness and working with organizations like LI TRIO, we’re striving to increase activity on the local, state and national levels,” said Hannon. “To find out about the many different ways you can sign up to become an organ donor and more information, please call the NYS Organ and Tissue Donor Registry at 1-866-NYDONOR or visit the Department of Health’s web page at http://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/patients/donation/organ/, or www.litrio.org.”
