New York is one of the most populous states in the nation, yet we continue to have one of the lowest rates of registered organ donors. April is Donate Life Month—a time to raise awareness about the importance of becoming a registered organ donor. The number of people on the waiting list in New York can be reduced if more people registered to become an organ donor. There are approximately 10,500 patients awaiting organ transplants, 1,700 of which have been waiting five years or more for a transplant.

There are a couple of reasons why New York's rate is lower than most, and fortunately, the state has implemented measures that will improve these rates over time. In the past, New York kept an outdated system and required organ donors to fill out and mail forms indicating their preferences. In recent years, New York State Department of Health has created an online registry form, which has made it much easier for people to elect to become a registered organ donor. In 2012, the state also enacted legislation that required the Dept. of Motor Vehicles to ask people on their driver license applications if they would like to become an organ donor. New Yorkers are prompted to select “Yes” or “Not at this Time” on the application form. Prior to this law, this was an optional question. This application change became known as Lauren’s Law, named after Lauren Shields—a 12-year-old girl who received a heart transplant and became an advocate to improve donation rates for our state after her life was saved. Despite these improvements, we still need to raise more awareness about organ donation and increase our state’s rate.

Registered donors have the option to donate all organs or elect specific organs to donate. One person who donates organs such as a heart, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas and intestines can save up to eight lives, while a tissue donor (corneas, bone, skin, heart valves, tendons, veins, etc.) can improve 58 lives by restoring eyesight, helping fight infections in burn patients, and preventing the loss of mobility and disability.

According to the Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network, there are common myths people have about organ donation, which contributes to our state’s lower rates. Many cite religious reasons, but according to the network, most major religions support organ donation. Others question the fairness of the organ distribution system, but according to the network, even those who have fame or wealth are not shown preference. Medical criteria determine how donated organs are allocated to those on the waiting list. A national system matches donated organs to people on the waiting list based on a number of factors including the donor’s blood type and body size, the severity of illness of potential recipients, tissue type, distance, and length of time someone has been on the waiting list. Some rule themselves out prematurely due to illness or medical conditions, but experts discourage this. Despite some illnesses and conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and even cancer, organs still can be used to help save lives. Tests and medical professionals at the time of death determine which organs are suitable for transplant.

Some believe that signing the back of their license is enough, but experts urge people to both register and sign their license. There is a chance the license can be badly damaged in an accident, for example, so being on the registry makes an individual’s intentions clear. Also, being registered clears any questions up for loved ones and allows health care officials to better assist those who are on the waiting list for an organ, which increases the likelihood of organs actually being donated.

You can check your license to see if you already are an organ donor. If so, it is indicated in the upper right-hand side with a heart, and above it are the words “organ donor.” To sign up to be an organ donor, visit http://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/patients/donation/organ. To get the facts about organ donation, visit the Donor Recovery Web site.

If you have any questions or comments on this or any other state issue, or if you would like to be added to my mailing list or receive my newsletter, please contact my office. My office can be reached by mail at 200 North Second Street, Fulton, New York 13069, by e-mail at barclaw@assembly.state.ny.us or by calling (315) 598-5185.