More than 8,000 New Yorkers are waiting for an organ transplant right now. And the wait can sometimes be too long.
Advocates have urged people to consider becoming a donor during April’s National Donate Life Month. There’s a greater need than just for the heart, kidneys and lungs. Bone fragments, blood vessels and nerves are all critical organs that are often in short supply.
BlueCross BlueShield executive Lorna Fitzpatrick said it means a lot of people don’t receive what they need.
“The organ donation register, they do a great job of trying to match the right organ to the right person. But unfortunately, about 500 people in New York state alone were run out of time, before they're able to get an organ donation this year.”
Fitzpatrick also said people interested in donating should make their wishes known to their families, even just one additional donor could go a long way.
“Yeah, one organ donor, you know, depending on what can be donated could save up to eight lives. And through the AI in the tissue donation that could be 75 or more who can get help from your organs and your donation. So you really one person can really affect the lives of many with this.”
Interested donors could register when they’re becoming a voter, getting a driver’s license or signing up for health insurance. People could also sign up at the Donate Life website.
