LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim October 6, 2016, as Organ Donor Enrollment Day in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious issues that
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 6, 2016, as Organ Donor
Enrollment Day in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, LiveOnNY is a nonprofit, federally designated organ procure-
ment organization (OPO) dedicated to the recovery of organs and tissue
for transplant in the greater New York metropolitan area; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1978, LiveOnNY is the second largest OPO in
the United States, serving a culturally and ethnically diverse popu-
lation of 13 million; and
WHEREAS, The objective of this vital organization is to increase the
number of organ, eye and tissue donors by procuring as many New Yorkers
as possible to enroll in the New York State Donate Life Registry; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore its mission is to save lives, provide comfort and
strengthen legacies through organ, eye and tissue donation, and its
vision is a world in which the power of organ, eye and tissue donation
is fully realized; and
WHEREAS, By working together with the citizens of not only the five
boroughs but the entire State of New York, the efforts of LiveOnNY is
helping to make a difference; for every New Yorker who enrolls in the
registry, up to eight lives can be saved, and another 50 lives can be
saved or improved through tissue donation; and
WHEREAS, New York State ranks 50th out of 50 in the nation in percent
of residents who are registered organ donors; and
WHEREAS, Only 26% of New Yorkers are registered organ donors, however,
83% of this population support organ donation; and
WHEREAS, Under the skilled leadership of President/CEO Helen Irving
and Medical Director Amy L. Friedman, MD, LiveOnNY has so effectively
carried out its mission by demonstrating the sanctity of life; and
WHEREAS, The first Donor Enrollment Day held in 2015, generated over
3,000 new enrollments in LiveOnNY donor service area which covers the
five boroughs in New York City, all of Long Island and five counties in
the lower Hudson Valley, including Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Dutch-
ess and Putnam Counties; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness and
educational initiatives offered regarding the decision to donate one's
organs, eyes and/or tissues, and more must be done to increase activity
at the local, State and national levels; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 6, 2016, as
Organ Donor Enrollment Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York; and Helen Irving, President and CEO, and Amy L. Friedman, MD,
Medical Director, LiveOnNY.