State Lawmakers Pass Important Organ Donation Bill Today
June 20, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20th, 2012
Contact: Michele Mehaffy 566-3937
State Lawmakers Pass Important Organ Donation Bill Today
Governor expected to sign “Lauren’s Law”
BUFFALO, NY: “Lauren’s Law” states that those who apply for a New York driver license must complete the organ donation registry portion. The applicant must check either “yes” or “skip this question” under the organ donor registry section of the application.
WNY has one of the highest consent rates for organ donation in the entire country, although NY State is ranked third last when it comes to consent for donation.
Today, both the NY Assembly and Senate voted unanimously to pass “Lauren’s Law”.
“I am pleased to co-sponsor this legislation that will ensure all applicants for a driver’s license are not only directed to make a selection regarding their wishes for organ donation, but also are educated about the need for eligible donors to provide essential lifelines for those suffering from incurable diseases,” said Senator Mark Grisanti , R-60.
“New York State suffers from a drastically low organ donation rate – We need to reverse this statewide trend”, said Senator Tim Kennedy, D-Buffalo. “Combined with the advocacy efforts of organizations like Unyts, Lauren’s Law will boost organ donations and encourage New Yorkers to donate life.”
“This law will go a long way towards increasing the number of donors registered and in turn will save lives as a result of more citizens being able to offer the gift of life”. Crystal People-Stokes, NY Assembly, D-Buffalo.
“This will result in increased donations and more opportunities for life safe and life enhancing transplants”. Mark Simon, Pres. & CEO, Unyts.
“Lauren’s Law” is named after Lauren Shields, a 12 year old heart-transplant recipient from Stony Point, Rockland County.
Become an Organ, Eye, Tissue & Community Blood Donor Today!
It Does Matter! www.unyts.org
