By Forum Staff
The State Senate recently passed legislation that will include a space on applications for student loans and aid programs for enrollment in the Donate Life Registry.
According to the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst), the proposed law will increase opportunities for New Yorkers to register as organ donors. New York currently ranks second to last in the nation per capita when it comes to registered organ donors, this legislation aims to change that, Peralta said,
“Organ donation saves lives and giving life is the best gift one can give,” the senator added. “Unfortunately, New York is in a state of emergency when it comes to organ donations. Far too many New Yorkers are dying waiting for organs. My bill will increase the number of New Yorkers who become organ donors, simply by offering the option to check the donate life registry box on student loan or student aid applications.”
Peralta noted that LiveOnNY, the premier non-for-profit donor organ organization in New York, noted that more than 10,000 New Yorkers throughout the state are waiting for organ transplants. More than 1,600 New York State residents have been on a waiting list for a life-saving organ transplant for more than five years.
According to the proposal, the student loan and student aid applications will include the question: “Would you like to be added to the Donate Life Registry? Check box for ‘yes,’ or check the box ‘skip question.’”
Currently, New Yorkers who want to become organ donors can only do so by signing up for the Donate Life Registry at the Department of Motor Vehicles, on voter registration forms, and separate stand-alone forms.
Courtesy of State Department of Health
The New York Donate Life Registry Enrollment form can also be accessed online at health.ny.gov/donatelife.
