Empire State Today

Governor Kathy Hochul and actor/comedian Tracy Morgan have teamed up to urge New Yorkers to join the NYS Donate Life Registry in honor of National Donate Life Month. Hochul emphasized the importance of organ donation, stating, "It only takes a moment to enroll, and that moment can end up saving lives. I encourage all New Yorkers to join Tracy and me and donate life."

Tracy Morgan, who underwent a life-saving kidney transplant, shared his personal experience, saying, "My donor saved my life and by enrolling in the New York Donate Life Registry, you could help save many others."

According to the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network, there are more than 8,000 New Yorkers currently awaiting organ transplants. New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder highlighted the impact of organ donation, stating, "One organ donor can save up to eight lives and heal 75 more through eye and tissue donation."

Dr. James McDonald, New York State Health Commissioner, emphasized the significance of becoming an organ donor, stating, "The need for organ donors is enormous and we are happy to partner with the DMV as we encourage everyone to commit to saving lives."

Aisha Tator, Executive Director of Donate Life New York State, expressed the importance of raising awareness and taking action during Donate Life Month, stating, "Through our collective strength, we're empowering individuals to become heroes by registering as organ and tissue donors."

Assemblymember Robert Smullen and his wife Megan shared their personal connection to organ donation, stating, "When we recently lost our son AJ to a tragic accident, our only solace was that we matched five families in the Donate Life program."

New Yorkers are encouraged to enroll in the Registry, with various options available including through the Department of Motor Vehicles, voter registration, IDNYC program, and other state agencies. The Registry database is confidential, and individuals can access their registration at any time to make changes.

In addition to enrolling in the Registry, New Yorkers can support organ donation by ordering a Donate Life custom license plate, with a portion of the fee directed to the "Life Pass It On Trust Fund" for organ donation and transplant research.

To learn more about organ donation and how to enroll in the Donate Life Registry, visit the Donate Life New York website.