North Country Leader

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush joined fellow lawmakers, donor families, transplant recipients, and healthcare professionals for a Donate Life press conference in Albany. This event, part of National Donate Life Month, aimed to raise awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation, sharing personal stories, honoring donors, and encouraging New Yorkers to register as organ donors.

“Every person who registers as a donor has the potential to save up to eight lives and improve the lives of dozens more," said Blankenbush. He expressed pride in standing with advocates to promote the message that donation offers life and hope.

Blankenbush noted a persisting gap in registered donors in New York, with around 8,000 people currently on the transplant waiting list. The state's donor registration rates remain among the lowest nationally. He stressed the need for continued education and outreach, especially in upstate communities.

New Yorkers can enroll in the state’s organ donor registry via the DMV, voter registration form, or online at www.donatelife.ny.gov.