Click here to access the New York Donate Life Registry and become an organ, eye, and tissue donor.

Spring 2008 Statewide

Media Campaign

Following up on successful 2007 media campaigns, the Alliance, in cooperation with the New York State Department of Health and Dream Catcher Communications, is using funding provided from the New York State Budget to launch a statewide cable TV, online and New York City subway advertising campaign.  Billboards were also placed in the Albany, New York area.  Designed to coincide with Donate Life month in April, this advertising directs New Yorkers to become organ, eye and tissue donors by enrolling in the State Donate Life Registry at the Department of Motor Vehicles or by visiting www.donatelifenys.net.

Click here for more information and to view or listen to the spots.

Education for Nurses
The Alliance and the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) completed a yearlong project to develop a specialized educational program for nurses related to organ and tissue donation. An expert panel developed the training content which includes facts, laws, referral process, donor management and nursing roles. The training was launched at the fall 2005 NYSNA conference and is in both print and web-based formats. Learn more.

Gift of Life Donor Medal
Legislation was passed in 2002 directing that a New York State Gift of Life Donor Medal of Honor be designed and distributed to recognize the gifts of donation by both living and deceased donors. A medal suitable for framing or placing on a headstone was commissioned. Medals are given to donors or the families of donors along with lapel pins and a message of thanks for the donor's gift of life. Learn more.

Governor Recognizes Donate Life Month In April 

New York Governor David A. Paterson has proclaimed April as Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Month in the Empire State.  The proclamation recognizes the altruism and humanitarianism of those who are inspired to give the gift of life to a fellow human being.  The proclamation also reminded New Yorkers of the life-sustaining results of organ, eye and tissue donation and encouraged them to enroll in New York’s Donate Life Registry to extend another’s life.     Click here to read the Governor's proclamation.

Niagara Falls Lit Green for National Organ Donation Month

Nearly 250 donor families, transplant recipients, procurement organization staff and volunteers looked on as the Canadian and American Falls were illuminated green in honor of organ and tissue donation awareness on April 25, 2008.  The event marked National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week in Canada and National Donate Life Month in the United States.  In addition to lighting the Falls green, participants from both the State of New York and the Province of Ontario formed a symbolic green ribbon by donning green ponchos, carrying green glow sticks and walking across the Rainbow Bridge, which links the United States and Canada.  The event was organized by the Trillium Gift of Life Network and Upstate New York Transplant Services, with participation by the New York Alliance for Donation and the New York Organ Donor Network.  Click here to read the press release.

Governor Signs Series of Bills Encouraging Organ Donation

On August 17, 2006, the Governor signed into law a comprehensive legislative package on organ and tissue donation, marking a significant historical milestone. The package of seven legislative bills represents the best that the United States has to offer in policies that enhance and support individuals’ decision to designate themselves as organ and/or tissue donors and improve the chances for those waiting for life-saving and life enhancing transplants. Learn more.

College Campus Project Completes Final Year
The three-year Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant, received in August 2003, has entered its final phase of funding. The project strived to increase organ and tissue donation among college students through a multi campus classroom intervention. The intervention involved public communication course students planning and executing campus-wide campaigns to increase declaration rates and family discussion. Learn more.

Donate Life, Life Pass It On Special Plates
Legislation passed in 2003 provided for $20 of the annual cost of each plate to fund the Life Pass It On Trust Fund. Learn More.

Life - Pass It On Trust Fund
In addition to buying special plates, New Yorkers can contribute to the Life – Pass It On Trust Fund by making a voluntary $1 dollar contribution when applying for a driver license original, duplicate, amendment or renewal.  Contributions to the Fund are used for organ transplant research and education projects and projects to increase and promote organ and tissue donation awareness.

Drivers License
Legislation which was signed into law in 2006 provides that persons who enroll in the New York State Donate Life organ and tissue donor registry through the Department of Motor Vehicles shall have the words “ORGAN DONOR” printed on the front of their DMV photo document.  This improvement is important for people to confirm their decision to be a donor.

Second Federal Grant Awarded
In August 2005, the New York Alliance for Donation was one of five recipients of a US Department of Health and Human Services grant. The funding is being used to increase registry rates and family notification among medical students and medical residents training in New York State. The project also educates medical residents in surgery, neurology, emergency medicine and primary care about communicating effectively with families and patients about organ donation. Learn more.