Assemblyman Jim Conte (R,C,I,WF-Huntington
Station) is pleased to announce that people registering
to vote will now be able to enroll in the New York
State Donate Life Registry.
Assemblyman Conte, the prime sponsor of the legislation,
recently signed into law by Governor Paterson, is
hopeful that by including the Donate Life Registry
on voter registration forms, the state will expand
awareness of the state’s organ donor program
and make it easier for New Yorkers to add their
names to the organ and tissue donor list.
“The need for organ donations is real and
urgent and I am confident that by expanding the
way New Yorkers can sign up for the Donate Life
Registry, more people will sign up to give the gift
of life,” added Conte. “By including
the Donate A Life Registry on voter registration
forms, we can get more people to join the registry
and help spread the word about the needs of organ
recipients.”
Conte, a two-time kidney transplant recipient has
made bringing greater awareness to the urgent need
of organ and tissue donations one of his top priorities
and has continued to work on passing legislation,
which will make it easier for individuals to sign
on to the organ and tissue donor registry or Donate
Life Registry. A registry, which Assemblyman Conte
helped create and name.
“I have first-hand knowledge of the importance
of organ and tissue donation. An organ donor saved
my life,” said Conte. “Donated organs
help improve the quality of life for many recipients
and have saved countless others.”
Conte noted that in New York state, close to 9,000
people are waiting for a transplant with more names
being added to the waiting list every day. “To
date, the number of people on the waiting list far
exceeds the number of donors, a number that I am
trying to change,” concluded Conte.
New Yorkers who would like to become a donor can
also sign up on-line on the New York State Organ
and Tissue Donor Registry at http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/donor/index.htm
or through the Department of Motor Vehicles when
you apply for or renew your license or non-driver
ID.
