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ALBANY---The state Assembly will take up a 12-bill package aimed at encouraging greater organ donation participation in New York State. Joined at a Capitol news conference by a bipartisan group of key legislators who are sponsoring bills in the package, as well as numerous advocates, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver stressed the importance of raising public awareness in order to increase the rate of organ donation in New York State.
"Everyday thousands of desperate New Yorkers wait for the phone to ring with news of an available kidney, liver, heart or lung. For these individuals, organ donation is their last option," said Silver. "By taking up these bills and calling attention to this national crisis, we are hopeful that more New Yorkers will choose to make this ultimate, lifesaving gift."
The legislative package is aimed at increasing avenues for organ donor awareness, enhancing donor opportunities and providing tax incentives for organ donors and their families.
The organ donation issue has received renewed interest in New York State following the announcement last month by Assemblyman Richard Brodsky that he will donate a kidney to his 14-year old daughter, Willie, who is suffering from an autoimmune disease.
"Richard Brodsky's decision to come to the aid of his daughter was an obvious one," said Silver. "While his actions are surely courageous and inspiring, there are thousands of other New Yorkers who are counting on the humanity of strangers to save their lives or the lives of their loved ones."
"I want to first and foremost thank everyone who has been so supportive of our family in our personal struggle with issues surrounding organ donation. We consider ourselves fortunate, because our daughter Willie has me as a viable live organ donor so she doesn't have to be put on a waiting list. However, many New York families aren't as lucky. Willie and our entire family hope that the public attention that has been put on our situation can help to bring greater focus to the need for organ donors and ways to make organ donation easier for both donors and recipients," said Brodsky. "Today's legislative package will address many of these issues and we are grateful for the efforts of all the members of the legislature and outside organizations who have worked together to make this possible."
Assemblyman Sam Hoyt said, "My father, Assemblyman William B. Hoyt, waited to receive a heart transplant. Sadly, he passed away while on the waiting list. That is why I fight so hard to improve New York's organ donation system. We need to dramatically increase the availability of organs for donation. This legislative package will make giant strides in that effort and save the lives of thousands of New Yorkers."
"More organ donation means more lives saved. The shortage of organs for donation continues to grow more severe. These changes in the law will raise awareness, help streamline the process and help people to more easily consent to being an organ donor," said Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard Gottfried.
"This comprehensive legislative package is aimed at striking down existing barriers for potential organ donors," said Assemblymember Kevin Cahill. "The real key to success, though, is for those who wish to be organ donors in the event of their untimely death to make their wishes known to the family members and loved ones who will most likely be the ones to make the decision."
"Thousands of people with organ failure benefit from life saving transplants each year," stated Assemblyman Ivan Lafayette. "However, the need for donated tissues, organs and bone marrow continues to grow. I am sure the legislation I am prime-sponsoring (A.9573a/S.7177a) will make it a little easier for a person to become a donor."
"As a two-time kidney transplant recipient, I have witnessed first-hand the benefits of organ and tissue donation," said Assemblymember James Conte. "With close to 9,000 New Yorkers currently on waiting lists for transplants, I gladly lend my support to these legislative efforts to increase organ and tissue donation."
The measures contained in the Assembly package would:
--require the State Transplant Council to study the issue of a presumed consent standard in organ donations
--rename the Organ Tissue Registry to the "Donate Life Registry
--update the priority list of individuals who may consent to organ and tissue donation to include domestic partners and health-care and disposition-of-remains agents
--provide that driver's licenses and renewals issued to a person making an anatomic gift include a prominently printed statement confirming the organ donor status
---establish an anatomical gift information program to promote public awareness of organ donation
--change the organ and tissue donor registry from one of intent to consent
--provide donors and their families income tax credits for up to $10,000
--provide salary/wage reimbursement for private employers who grant their employees a paid leave of absence if that employee becomes an organ or bone marrow donor
--establish an income tax credit check-off box for organ donation
--require employers to grant unpaid leave to employees during the testing for, donation of and recovery from organ donation
--require driver's license applications to allow for a voluntary contribution to the Life - Pass It On Trust Fund and
--establish a $1 surcharge on driver's license renewal for the Life - Pass It On Trust Fund
6-22-06
© 2006 North
Country Gazette
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