State Department of Health Encourages New Yorkers to Register as Organ Donors

Nearly 8,500 New Yorkers Await a Lifesaving Transplant

New York State's Annual Organ Donor Enrollment Day is October 7

ALBANY, N.Y. (October 7, 2022) –The New York State Department of Health is encouraging New Yorkers to enroll in the State's organ donation registry during the annual NYS Donor Enrollment Day on October 7, 2022. More than seven million New Yorkers have already committed to making this lifesaving gift by signing up on the State's Donate Life Registry to become organ and tissue donors.

"Enrolling in the State's Donate Life Registry is a meaningful way to save lives and change lives," New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said."Choosing to become an organ donor will give people waiting for a transplant a renewed chance at life and I encourage all New Yorkers to enroll today, if they haven't already."

In New York State, nearly 8,500 people are waiting for transplants of organ, eye and tissue donations, with some waiting years for transplants that could change their lives for the better. The majority need a kidney donation. More than 7,200 New Yorkers undergo dialysis treatment while they wait for a kidney donation to improve their health and overall quality of life. In 2021, 820 individuals, including several under the age of 18, were removed from transplant waiting lists because they became too ill to undergo a transplant procedure or they passed away before an organ became available.

All New Yorkers who are at least 16 years of age are eligible to register as organ donors. Donors can determine what they want to give, including specific organs and tissues, as well as identify whether the donation is for transplant or research or both. Organ donors may save the lives of as many as eight people, while eye and tissue donors can improve the health and lives of others. To learn more about the impact donations make on the lives of recipients, visit the Donate Life NYS website.

"The New York State DMV is proud to be the vehicle through which most New Yorkers join the NYS Organ Donor Registry and provide hope to the thousands awaiting organ and tissue donations," DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said. "When you visit our offices to get your permit or renew or upgrade your license, please consider joining the registry—a few minutes of your time could lead to years of happiness to so many families across our state."

New Yorkers can enroll to be organ donors in a variety of ways in addition todirectly through the New York State Donate Life Registry:

The registration database is confidential and individuals can access their registration at any time to make changes. Frequently asked questions about organ donation and the registry can be found here.