County clerks from Yates, Schuyler, Steuben, and Seneca counties joined Assemblyman Phil Palmesano on Tuesday to commemorate the end of “Donate Life” month and to encourage New Yorkers to register as organ donors.
The issue of organ donation is a very personal issue to Palmesano and continues to be an important priority for him. His sister Teresa was a juvenile diabetic, which compromised her health over her lifetime. She was a two-time kidney transplant recipient, first in 2000 from the kindness of a stranger and again in 2006, when Palmesano donated a kidney to his sister.
Palmesano pointed to the following statistics and why the issue of organ donation is so important in New York:
· There are 103,000 people nationally on the organ donation waitlist;
· Nearly 8,000 of those are New Yorkers;
· 1,100 of those New Yorkers have been waiting for more than five years;
· New York is ranked 50th out 52 states and territories in terms of enrollment in the country;
· New York has a donor enrollment rate of 47%, while the national rate is 64%;
· New York has the 3rd highest need for organ donors but has the 3rd worst enrollment rate;
· Unfortunately, nearly 400 New Yorkers died in 2023 while waiting for a life-saving organ transplant; and
· Most importantly, one person who donates at the time of their death can save up to eight lives and impact the lives of 75 others through eye and tissue donation.
Yates County Clerk Molly Linehan said, “While April has been designated as National Donate Life Month, education about the importance of and vital need for organ, eye and tissue donation needs to continue year-round. Through these types of donations, children and adults are given a chance to live full and active lives.”
Schuyler County Clerk Theresa Philbin said, “Although we bring a spotlight to the Donate Life movement in April, it is important to remember it all year. New York State ranks 50th out of 52 national registries. It would be wonderful to bring that number up! It is important to let your family know you wish to be an organ donor. Once you are 18 years of age you can have the heart icon on your driver’s license that indicates you are a willing donor.”
Steuben County Clerk Judy Hunter said, “Organ Donation is needed 365 days a year. In Steuben County, we strive to bring awareness to this important issue and encourage all who enter our doors to consider organ donation. One simple and thoughtful action is the critically vital step needed to save another person’s life.”
Seneca County Clerk Christina Lotz said, “At the Seneca County DMV we have a saying that is simple and easy to remember, “One last good deed – let your body help those in need.”
“This issue is very personal to me. Although my sister Teresa passed away at the age of 50 in 2013, I still tell people Teresa was lucky. She received two transplants; most people might not even get one. I have seen firsthand how organ donation can impact the quality of life for a family. However, I did not realize how bad the numbers were in New York until I stepped onto the Assembly floor in 2011. We have made good progress over the years, but we still have a long way to go. Yes, we celebrate Donate Life Month every April, but we must continue our efforts of public education, awareness, advocacy and expanded access year-round to help save lives. New Yorkers are kind and generous people. The more we make them aware and expand access to the Donate Life Program and ask them that important question, ‘Do you want to register to be an organ donor,’ the more New Yorkers will say ‘yes’ and help save lives,” added Palmesano.
If you would like to register to be an organ donor, please visit your local DMV office or register online at https://donatelife.ny.gov/register/.
Assemblyman Palmesano represents the 132nd District, which includes Schuyler County, Yates County and parts of Chemung County, Seneca County and Steuben County.
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