Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) is encouraging residents to consider organ donation as part of Donate Life Month. McDonough is partnering with the New York State Donate Life Registry to spread the word that April is Donate Life Month and asking residents to take time to learn more about organ, eye and tissue donation.

“Every day thousands of New Yorkers await an organ transplant that can bring them a better quality of life,” said McDonough. “Many of these patients have to bear the burden of tremendously painful and expensive medical procedures to sustain them while they wait for a transplant. However, by becoming an organ donor, you can pass along the most valuable gift of all, the gift of life. If you are considering becoming an organ donor, but are not completely sure, I encourage you to think of the nearly 117,000 Americans who currently await an organ transplant.”

Currently, more than 8,370 people are waiting for organ transplants in the New York Organ Donor Network’s service area. Of these, more than 6,670 await kidneys; more than 1,300 need livers; and more than 290 need hearts. Residents can learn more about Donate Life Month and the New York State Donate Life Registry by visiting www.donatelifeny.org. They can also register to become an organ donor when renewing their driver license with the DMV.