Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) and Assistant Speaker Felix Ortiz (D-Kings) today sponsored a resolution celebrating Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Month in conjunction with New York Donate Life.

Palmesano is encouraging New Yorkers to take this opportunity to learn more about organ donation and add their names to the New York State Donate Life Registry.

“The numbers are startling. Each day, 21 people die in our country waiting in vain for a transplant that won’t come. More than 10,000 New Yorkers are waiting for a transplant today. You have the power to save a life, and I encourage you to sign up and take advantage of that as soon as you can,” said Palmesano.

Palmesano noted that the registry solidifies a decision to donate and is a simple way for medical professionals to inform family members of a donor’s choice in the event they are unaware.

He said raising awareness is critical considering New York’s disappointing donation rate. Nationwide, 50 percent of adults are organ donors. In New York, only 24 percent agree to donate. Though New York has the third-highest need for donation in the nation, we have the second-lowest percentage of our adult population registered. Out of 52 registries in our nation’s states and territories, New York ranks 51st, ahead of only Puerto Rico. “This is unacceptable,” said Palmesano.

“A New Yorker dies every 15 hours waiting for a transplant,” said Palmesano. “This, too, is unacceptable.” “In 2013, 560 men, women and children died waiting for an organ right here in New York. That is simply unacceptable,” said Palmesano.

Additionally, Palmesano noted that up to 50 people can benefit from the tissue and organs of a single donor.

“The gift of life is so profound,” said Palmesano. “The life-altering impact that your organ donation can have on a recipient and their loved ones is hard to put into words.”

The issue is particularly important to Palmesano and his family. In 2006, Palmesano donated to his sister one of his kidneys. “It was one of the greatest privileges of my life,” said Palmesano. “It showed me firsthand how organ donation can make such an incredible impact on a family.”

Assemblyman Palmesano noted that he and Assemblyman Ortiz will be hosting a press conference on May 12 to raise awareness for the New York Donate Life initiative.

New Yorkers interested in becoming donors can sign up for the Registry at the DMV, when registering to vote, or by visiting the Donate Life New York Web site. For more information on organ, eye and tissue donation, call 1-866-NYDONOR (1-866-693-6667).