Become a Donor
Every day more and more people are making the decision to be organ and tissue donors. By the choosing to become a donor you are making a heroic and potentially life-saving decision.
Sign Up with the Donate Life Registry
By enrolling in the registry, you are giving legal consent to donate organs and tissues at the time of death. This is an important and vital step to go on record officially as a donor. Even if you carry a donor card, you should joing the Donate Life Registry. Not from New York? Then visit Donate Life America.
Inform your family and friends
It is essential that you tell your family members and those close to you about your organ donation decision. Your next-of-kin and family members will be consulted at the time of death, so there should be no question in their minds about your decision. Here are some quick ways to share your decision
- Have a dinner table discussion. Tell your family members that you want to give the gift of life.
- Post your decision on Facebook by providing a link to our website at http://www.DonorRecovery.org or like us by clicking on the Facebook link above.
- Tweet about it. If you have a following on Twitter, share information about organ donation.
- Email your family now. Some suggested language for a message is included below. Send Email Now! (yourfamilyandfriends
removethisaddress
com?subject=My%20Decision%20to%20Be%20an%20Organ%20Donor&body=)
I’m writing to tell you that I have decided to be an organ donor. This is important to me and I’d like you to know so that my decision is carried out when the time comes. You can learn more about organ and tissue donation by exploring these websites: Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network at http://www.DonorRecovery.org andDonate Life America at http://www.DonateLife.net.
Add “Organ Donor” to Your Drivers License
New York drivers license with organ donor designation.
When you receive your New York Drivers License or a non-driver ID, you may request to have the words “Organ Donor” and the organ donor heart symbol displayed. While taking this step is important, the information on your drivers license is not connected with the New York Donate Life Registry at this time. We encourage you to sign up with both.
Complete a Healthcare Proxy or Living Will
The New York Health Care Proxy Law allows you to appoint someone you trust – for example, a family member or close friend – to make health care decisions for you if you lose the ability to make decisions yourself. In the healthcare proxy, you may state your wishes regarding organ and tissue donation. You may also complete a Living Will document that clearly spells about your donation decision. Sometimes these documents are prepared with the help of doctor or attorney. Download a healthcare proxy or living will document below.
New York Healthcare Proxy Document – English (PDF)
New York Healthcare Proxy Document – Spanish (PDF)
Additional Resources:
New York State Department of Health
Compassion and Support – End of Life Planning
