Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) joined healthcare professionals, transplant recipients, donor families and his fellow elected officials today at a Donate Life press conference to raise awareness about the life-saving impact of organ and tissue donation.

Held in recognition of National Donate Life Month, the event emphasized the importance of registering as an organ donor and celebrated the selfless individuals who have given others a second chance at life through donation.

“Every day, lives are saved because someone made the decision to become an organ donor,” said DeStefano. “I’m proud to stand with our local advocates to spread the message that registering as a donor is a simple, yet powerful act of compassion that can make a lasting difference.”

Around 8,000 New Yorkers are currently on the waiting list for a life-saving organ transplant. Despite widespread support for donation, New York historically has had one of the lowest donor registration rates in the country.

The press conference highlighted steps individuals can take to enroll in the New York State Donate Life Registry, including through the DMV, the state Board of Elections, and online at https://donatelife.ny.gov.