Organ Donation
Facts About Organ and Tissue Donation
Nationwide, more than 89,000 people are waiting for organ transplants, yet only about 27,000 received transplants in 2004. More than 6,000 people died in America waiting for organ transplants that same year. In New York alone, over 8,000 people are currently awaiting organ transplants and more than 20,000 New Yorkers await tissue donations for lifesaving and life-enhancing procedures.
Each year, an average of only 350 New Yorkers donate their organs. Clearly, there is a critical shortage of organs neeed for lifesaving transplants. One organ donor can save up to eight lives (by donating heart, lungs, liver, kidney, pancreas, and intestines). Without these surgeries, these people will die or remain disabled. One tissue donor (corneas, bone, skin, heart valves, tendons, veins, etc.) can help to save or improve 12 or more lives.
Anyone Can Become a Donor
Infants to individuals 65 years of age and older can all qualify as donors. The decision to become an organ/tissue donor will not interfere with the health care you receive--saving your life is your health care provider's first priority. Donating your organs does not cost your family anything. Organs and tissues are distributed through federally or state authorized regional organ and tissue banks.
Enroll in the New York State Organ and Tissue Donor Registry
The New York State Organ and Tissue Donor Registry, launched in spring 2000 bythe New York State Task Force to Increase Organ and Tissue Donation, is a confidential database maintained by the New York State Department of Health. The Registry evidences an individual's intent to donate organs/tissues upon his/her death and helps to ease the decision-making process of donation for family members. To enroll:
- Check the box on your application for new or renewal driver's license/nondriver identification card either at the Department of Motor Vehicle's offices or received by mail. It is important to sign the back of your driver's license with the signatures of two witnesses as well.
or
- Visit the New York State Department of Health website to register online or to download the registry form.
Most importantly, tell your family about your intention to be an organ and tissue donor. It is only with a family member's consent that your organs can be recovered for donation.
More Information
Informational brochures about the Registry and organ/tissue donation are available in English and additional languages at the New York Organ Donor Network or by calling the Registry.
To learn more about organ and tissue donation:
- Visit the New York State Department of Health website.
- Call the New York Organ Donor Network:
1-800-GIFT-4-NY (1-800-443-8469) - Call the New York State Organ and Tissue Donor Registry:
1-866-NY-DONOR (1-866-693-6667)
If you change your mind after you enroll, you should tell your health care provider and your family, write to the Department of Health to have your name removed from the Registry, and if you signed the back of your driver's license, you should cross out the information.
New York State Organ and Tissue Donor Registry
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Standards Development
433 River Street
Hedley Park Place, 6th Floor
Troy, NY 12180
