Expansion of Life Saving Organ Donor Registry Becomes Permanent on Valentine's Day

Expansion of Life Saving Organ Donor Registry Becomes Permanent on Valentine's Day

ROCKLAND, NY– Senator David Carlucci is marking Valentine's Day by announcing that a law allowing 16 and 17 year olds to register as organ donors becomes permanent today, expanding the pool of available donors that could be able to save a life.  Senator Carlucci, who was the author of Lauren's Law, which makes it mandatory to answer yes or no to becoming an organ donor on DMV applications, applauded the expansion and urged more people to become organ donors.  

"Starting today we will see an increase in the number of lives saved through organ donations in New York.  By allowing 16-17 year olds to register as organ and tissue donors, we will expand the pool of donors available for those in need. While the state has taken steps to increase donations, including sign ups through the driver license process, more than 10,000 New Yorkers remain on the national transplant waiting list.  Valentine's Day is a perfect day to show love to someone in need and sign up to be an organ donor," stated Senator Carlucci. 

There are multiple ways to sign up for the Donate Life Registry including online through the New York State DMV website.      

"New York is one of only five states in the nation that required an individual be 18 or older to enroll in an organ and tissue donor registry until this change.  Our community has had outstanding advocates in Lauren Shields and Roxanne Watson who fought so hard to promote the need for more organ donors and demanded real solutions to save lives.  Please join their cause and sign up to become an organ donor and help the thousands of other "Laurens and Roxannes" who are in need of organ donations," Carlucci concluded.        

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