National Donor Day: February 14, 2017

Thomas F. O'Mara

February 14, 2017

More than 10,000 New Yorkers are on waiting lists as the need for organ donations far exceeds the supply. One person who donates organs (hearts, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas and intestines) can save up to eight lives, while a tissue donor (corneas, bone, skin, heart valves, tendons, veins, etc.) can improve 12 or more lives by restoring eyesight, helping fight infections in burn patients and preventing the loss of mobility and disability.

Today, February 14, 2017, is National Donor Day.

According to the New York State Donate Life Registry, "More than 10,000 New Yorkers are on waiting lists as the need for organ donations far exceeds the supply. One person who donates organs (hearts, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas and intestines) can save up to eight lives, while a tissue donor (corneas, bone, skin, heart valves, tendons, veins, etc.) can improve 12 or more lives by restoring eyesight, helping fight infections in burn patients and preventing the loss of mobility and disability."

Find out more from Donate Life America.

A new law Senator O'Mara co-sponsored last year to allow 16 and 17 years old to register for organ, eye and tissue donation became effective yesterday.  Read more HERE.