STATE OF NEW YORK 
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 
Proclamation

Whereas, each year, National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Month is observed during the month of April, and New Yorkers join to recognize the altruism and humanitarianism of those who are inspired to “give the gift of life” to a fellow human being; and

Whereas, this observance pays tribute to organ donors and their families whose meaningful decision enables others to receive life-saving organs or tissue, whereby a transplant not only improves the quality of life for the recipient, but in many cases can save a life; and

Whereas, there are nearly 100,000 Americans – men, women and children of all ages – who are currently on the waiting list for an organ or tissue transplant, and approximately 8,800 are New Yorkers; while there are more than 19 million people residing in New York State, only 1.38 million are currently signed up to be organ, eye and tissue donors, and there are also tens of thousands persons nationwide in need of bone, corneal or other tissue transplant, with names added to the waiting list each day; and

Whereas, New Yorkers can help prolong another life by signing an organ and tissue donor card or by enrolling in the New York State Donate Life Registry – a confidential database of individuals who choose to donate their organs and tissues upon their death; administered by the New York State Department of Health, people can join the registry by enrolling online or when they apply for, or renew, their New York State driver’s license, or non-driver’s license identification card; furthermore, an individual should discuss his or her wishes of donation with family and friends; and

Whereas, members of organ and tissue donation advocacy organizations promote donation and have been active in the areas of support, advocacy, education and public awareness; striving to bring together all the components of the transplant community, these organizations also work closely with local transplant centers helping to promote and educate the public about the need for organ and tissue donation; and

Whereas, the organs and tissues from a single donor can help as many as 50 recipients, and during National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Month, New Yorkers are reminded of the life-sustaining results of organ and tissue donation and encouraged to consider this immensely generous and selfless act that extends another life;

Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim April 2008 as

ORGAN AND TISSUE DONOR AWARENESS MONTH

in the Empire State.

Given under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this twenty-sixth day of March in the year two thousand eight.

David A. Paterson
Governor