The percentage of residents registered as organ donors in New York is at an all-time low. In fact, our great state ranks 50th out of 50 states with regard to the percentage of residents registered as organ donors. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, LiveOnNY and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz are determined to change that and move New York up in the rankings.
LiveOnNY and Jamaica Hospital collaborated to promote National Donate Life Month and the Long Live New York campaign. Both organizations petitioned residents in neighboring communities to the hospital to be the catalyst for change by enrolling in the New York State Donor Registry.
On April 20th, as a part of their community outreach campaign Jamaica Hospital and LiveOnNY hosted a flag-raising ceremony with special guest Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. The event commemorated National Donate Life Month and recognized the selflessness of organ donors. Margaret Valsechi, a volunteer for LiveOnNY shared the remarkable story about her son Stephen Valsechi who passed away a few years ago. Stephen was registered as an organ donor and after his death gave the gift of life to four organ donor recipients.
Margaret was followed by Queens Borough President Melinda Katz who applauded Stephen’s family for their advocacy and passion for informing others about the importance of organ donation. The Borough President reminded the crowd of medical professionals, hospital staff and community members that it is crucial that they register, as they will be saving the lives of many.
Borough President Katz presented Jamaica Hospital with a proclamation in recognition of the hospital’s commitment to raising awareness. She also declared April 20th as Organ Donor Day in Queens. Those in attendance were jubilant about the announcement.
There are over 10,000 New Yorkers on waiting lists for a life-saving organ. Every 15 hours someone in this state dies while waiting for an organ transplant. There are many benefits to becoming an organ donor but the most important is, you can save the lives of up to eight people with your generosity. For more information about becoming an organ donor or to register to the New York State Donor Registry, please visit www.LiveOnNY.org.