Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) is reminding people about a student art contest hosted by Donate Life New York State. In celebration of Donate Life Month, students are encouraged to share their donation stories and perspectives through art. Submissions must be in by February 29 and winners will be notified by March 22. Entries must be submitted by a teacher or parent and must include student’s name, grade level, age, address, phone number and email. There are four separate categories for the contest, Elementary: 4^th and 5^th grade, Middle School: 6^th through 8^th grade and High School: 9^th and 10^th grade and 11^th and 12^th grade. Artwork will be hung throughout the Legislative Office Building during Blue and Green Spirit Week (April 6-12). Winners will receive a $100 gift card and will be recognized at a press conference to be held on April 16 in Albany. For more information on this opportunity, please see the Donate Life Web site.

            “I am pleased to announce the Donate Life Student Art Contest. Organ donation is a cause near and dear to my heart, so I am always happy to help promote this important issue however I can. According to Donate Life New York State, our state ranks 50^th out of 52 registries of states and territories in the country in total organ donor enrollment. We have a 46% enrollment rate while the national average is 63%. As a state, we have the third-greatest need for organs but the third-worst enrollment rate. We can, and must, do better. I hope this art contest will help spread the word about the importance of organ donation. If you have already registered to become an organ donor, thank you. If you have not, please talk to your family and consider it as you can help save the lives of your fellow New Yorkers. In fact, one person who donates at their time of death can save up to eight lives and impact the lives of 75 others. To register to donate, visit your local DMV or visit the Donate Life New York State website today,” said Palmesano.