Assembly Resolution No. 863

BY: M. of A. Eachus

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
February 14, 2024, as Donor 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 across the
Nation; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 14, 2024, as
Donor Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance
of National Donor Day; and

WHEREAS, National Donor Day was started in 1998 by the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services and many nonprofit health
organizations to raise awareness for organ, eye, tissue, marrow,
platelet, and blood donation; and

WHEREAS, National Donor Day is a time to focus on five points of
life: organs, tissues, marrow, platelets, and blood by participating in
blood/marrow drives or donor registration events; and

WHEREAS, It is also a day to recognize our loved ones who have given
the gift of donation, have received a donation, are currently waiting,
or did not receive an organ in time; and

WHEREAS, There is a tremendous need for organ donations in New York
State with more than 9,000 New Yorkers on waiting lists as the need for
organ, tissue and blood donations far exceed the supply; and

WHEREAS, More than 400 New Yorkers died last year because an organ
did not become available in time to save their lives; and

WHEREAS, One person who donates their organs (heart, lungs, liver,
kidneys, pancreas and intestines) can save up to eight lives; and

WHEREAS, 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; and

WHEREAS, It is possible to donate a kidney, partial liver, lung or
pancreas as a living donor, and in fact, approximately 40% of organ and
tissue donations are from living donors; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness and
educational initiatives offered regarding the decision to donate one's
organs, eyes, tissues, marrow, platelet, and/or blood 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 Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 14, 2024, as
Donor Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.