More than 8,500 of New Yorkers are waiting for an organ transplant. According to Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, 500 people will not receive the organ they need in time.
Excellus BCBS Friday issued a call for more organ donations. They say New York has one of the highest needs for organ donors in the nation, but only 45% of eligible residents are enrolled in the donate life registry.
“While we continue to see increased enrollment in the New York State Donate Life Registry, there are still thousands of New Yorkers waiting for life-saving organs and life-changing tissue and corneal transplants,” Director of ConnectLife Syracuse Mark Kenville said.
Residents above 16 years old are eligible and can enrollto donate their organs after their death. One organ donor can save 8 lives and cure about 75 people with eye and tissue donation.