💚Connect with Donate Life New York State – Summer 2024 Newsletter💙

During my tenure as Executive Director of Donate Life New York State, I cannot recall a more uplifting and inspiring Donate Life Month. We proudly traversed the Empire State throughout April (and March and May) to raise awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation.

We had the privilege of kicking off Donate Life Month on Easter weekend with our fantastic partners at the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles and our gracious hosts, the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association (GNYADA), at the New York International Auto Show. Tracy Morgan, entertainer and kidney transplant recipient, passionately urged New Yorkers to support organ, eye, and tissue donation at the Saturday morning press conference. We are deeply grateful to GNYADA for their exceptional support in making this event possible.

On April 16, Donate Life NYS participated in a press event in Albany in partnership with our friends and champions, Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes and Assembly member Phil Palmesano. One couldn’t help but be invigorated by the show of support from an impressive gathering of state lawmakers united in elevating New York’s rightful place as a leader in organ, eye, and tissue donation.

As the calendar flipped to May, we participated in one final Donate Life Month event in Western New York, joining the West Herr Auto Group family in honoring the legacy of a beloved employee who gave others a second chance at life through organ donation. His wife touchingly shared how amid their family’s darkest moment her husband was able to bring hope and healing to another family in need.

The West Herr event is a shining example of how we gained significant traction with this year’s “Drive for Life” campaign with the NYS Automobile Dealers Association. Several dealerships conducted fundraisers and engaged with their local media outlets to promote the campaign.

Not to be outdone, the NYS Association of County Clerks continues to raise the bar through their outstanding awareness efforts and fundraising campaigns on our behalf.

Indeed, this April will be hard to top – but we’ll rise to the challenge!

With gratitude and appreciation,

Aisha M. Tator

Executive Director

Legislative Advocacy Update

On April 16, Donate Life NYS leadership, staff, board members, community partners, and over 50 volunteers gathered in Albany for our annual Legislative Education Event. We advocated for policies to improve access to the New York State Donate Life Registry and educated lawmakers on the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation. Below are the proposed bills on this year’s legislative agenda and their current status:

Doorways to Donation: Electronic Health Records (A.7079 Gunther/S.8456 Rivera): Requires Electronic Health Record vendors to integrate components allowing patient enrollment in the Donate Life Registry.

Current status: Passed both houses and heading to Governor for approval.

The “Close Friend” Provision (A.7703 Paulin/S.6690 Rivera): Allows a close friend to consent to donation on behalf of a deceased individual who has not documented their decision, aligning with nationwide standards.

Current status: Passed the Assembly unanimously on March 11. Advanced to the third reading in the Senate, but did not pass.

Doorways to Donation: Health Plans: New law passed in 2022 includes Donate Life Registry enrollment in health insurance processes. This session, a bill was proposed reducing this to just a link on organizational websites. Donate Life NYS collaborated with industry representatives to preserve the original intent while allowing more time for compliance.

We will keep you updated on the status of these bills and issue an Action Alert as they progress to Governor Kathy Hochul for approval. When the time comes, we'll urge you to contact the Governor to support these bills without amendments.

Financial Generosity Powers Our Mission

Your support is vital in providing hope to thousands of New Yorkers awaiting life-changing transplants. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported our mission so far this year. Right now is the perfect time to leverage the summer season by organizing an outdoor event, community picnic, or sports tournament, which can engage friends and family to raise funds for Donate Life NYS. Too busy for a summer event? Use your beach time to plan a fall fundraiser! From chili cook-offs to football viewing parties, autumn fundraising ideas are endless!

To start your fundraising journey, contact Meredith Cohn at mcohn@dlnys.org or call (518) 326-3237.

Save the Date!

Third Annual Celebration Luncheon (Oct. 10)

Donate Life NYS is excited to announce our Third Annual Celebration Luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Albany. This special event honors individuals and organizations whose contributions have saved and healed lives in New York State. Join leaders from the donation and transplant community, state agency partners, legislators, and philanthropic supporters as we recognize our extraordinary volunteers, legislative advocates, and community partners who have helped advance our mission. Mark your calendar and stay tuned for registration details in the coming weeks.

New York City Reception (Oct. 16)

Join us for an elegant evening reception in New York City on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024.

This event will precede the NYU Transplant Policy and Ethics Conference being held the following day. We are excited to celebrate a memorable night of inspiration and gratitude with leaders from the donation and transplant community, distinguished guests, and philanthropic supporters as we raise critical funds for Donate Life NYS.

Save the date and watch for more details on ticket availability and registration in the coming months.

To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, or learn more details on our upcoming events, contact Meredith Cohn at mcohn@dlnys.org or call (518) 326-3237.

Story of Hope: Pete Roxas

Donate Life Month Megaphones

When it comes to funding our Donate Life Month educational and awareness programs, our valued Corporate Members and Affiliate Sponsors play a vital role in financially supporting our mission. They serve as our Donate Life Month megaphones, amplifying the message of hope and healing statewide throughout April -- and year round. From organ procurement organizations and eye banks to procurement technology companies and tissue processing businesses, they fund vital education and advocacy programs that advance a better understanding of organ, eye, and tissue donation and important legislation impacting the donation and transplantation community. To learn more about our Corporate Members and Affiliate Sponsors and how your organization can join their growing ranks, visit https://donatelifenys.org/contribute/sponsorship.

Corporate Members