90% of Americans support organ donation, but only 30% know how to become one.

People of all ages, race, and medical history may be able to become an organ, eye and tissue donor.

One organ donor can save up to eight lives.

And that same donor can also save or improve the lives of up to 50 people by donating tissues and eyes.

In an effort to help increase the number of registered Donate Life organ donors in New York, SUNY is taking a stand, along with New York State senate majority leader John Flanagan, to spread the word to all New Yorkers. With nearly 500,000 current students, 90,000 faculty, and 3 million alumni worldwide, educating our SUNY connections about the benefits of donating life is a great place to start.

 

The facts about organ donation

120,000 people currently in need of organ donations in the USA. Only 47% of people are enrolled. ‌

In the United States:

  • There are nearly 120,000 people currently in need of organ transplants, and only 8,000 transplants have occurred from January to March of 2017. Based on OPTN data as of 04/20/2017.
  • On average, 18 people die every day while waiting for organ transplants  in the U.S.
  • Across the U.S, every 10 minutes someone is added to the waiting list.
 
In New York State, over 100,000 people are waiting for organ donations, yet only 22% of people are enrolled to provide. ‌

In New York State:

  • In New York State alone, the waiting list grows every 2½ hours.
  • Nearly 10,000 New Yorkers are currently waiting for an organ transplant, and every 15 hours someone dies waiting for an organ transplant in our state.
  • Only 22% of New Yorkers are enrolled in the New York State Donate Life Registry as organ donators, while the nationwide average is 47%.
 

Sign up to be an organ donor now

To get listed on the organ donor registry, most people simply check a box during their voting registration or when obtaining a New York state ID or license. Don't worry if you missed the box. We're here to help!

How do you enroll? Anyone 18 or over and interested in becoming a donor in New York State is welcome to join the New York State Donate Life Registry, even if you are not a NYS resident. When applying, you have the option to select your preferences on what organs and tissues will be used for, including transplantation and research, transplantation only and research only.

For more information, read the Organ Donation Frequently Asked Questions from the New York State Department of Health.