FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, MORE THAN ONE MILLION NEW YORKERS ENROLLED IN THE NEW YORK STATE ORGAN AND TISSUE DONOR REGISTRY

More metro New Yorkers are encouraged to donate as thousands still await transplants

(New York, N.Y. ) April 7, 2005 Elaine Berg , president and CEO of the New York Organ Donor Network, welcomed the news announced today by Governor George Pataki, that more than one million people have enrolled in the New York State Organ and Tissue Donor Registry. The confidential database, administered by the New York State Department of Health, was introduced in June 2000. The registry records the intention of New Yorkers to become organ and tissue donors. 

Ms. Berg said, "As April is National Donate Life Month, we are particularly gratified to note that a million New Yorkers have added their names to the registry with the intention of saving and improving the lives of others. We thank all those people who have enrolled so far. With approximately 7,000 people in our region still desperately waiting for organ transplants, and thousands more in need of tissues, we appeal to all New Yorkers to enroll during April, and throughout the year."

Ms. Berg added: "Organ and tissue donation offers donors the opportunity to celebrate their lives through others. For those in the New York metropolitan area waiting for transplants, there truly is no greater gift than the gift of life. And just think how many people will benefit from the gifts of corneas, skin, bone, and heart valves."

In an encouraging sign in 2004, the New York Organ Donor Network recovered organs from a record number of deceased donors. During the year, there were 262 deceased organ donors in the New York metro area, which was a 21 percent increase over the previous year. As a result, 618 people received life-saving organ transplants.

Also last year, the New York Organ Donor Network recovered musculoskeletal and cardiovascular tissues from 450 deceased donors, the highest number in a single year.

However, despite the improved numbers in 2004, more than half of the families who were asked to consent to organ donation declined. Nationwide, the national consent rate for organ donation is 55 percent.

To enroll in the New York State Organ and Tissue Donor Registry, click on http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/donor/agreement.htm .

Contact: Martin Woolf at 646-291-4460 or mwoolf@nyodn.org.