Albany, New York — In observance of Donate Life Month, New York State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes and Assemblymember Phil Palmesano rallied various state legislators, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Commissioner, and key figures from Donate Life New York State at the Capitol. The gathering supported the Helping Equal Access to Registrations for Transplants (HEART) Act, which aims to revoke New York’s existing ban on multi-listing for organ transplants, thus enhancing organ access for financially disadvantaged patients.
“Every day, thousands of New Yorkers are waiting for their life-saving organ transplant. I am proud to have introduced the HEART Act and to work with my colleagues, Donate Life New York State, and all those impacted by organ and tissue donation to improve and modernize the organ donation and transplant process in this State,” said New York State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes. “The HEART Act will reduce wait times and establish a more just and equitable system for all those in need of a transplant, and I look forward to it becoming law.”
Assemblymember Phil Palmesano shared his personal connection to organ donation, recounting how his sister benefited from a kidney transplant. “I tell people Teresa was a lucky one as she received two transplants. Legislation like the HEART Act will make it possible for many more New Yorkers in need to receive life-changing transplants.”
Aisha Tator, Executive Director of Donate Life New York State, emphasized the potential impact of the HEART Act. “At Donate Life New York State, we work every day toward achieving our mission of ensuring a life-changing organ transplant for every New Yorker in need.”
New York’s current policy restricts in-state multi-listing, thus limiting transplant options for Medicaid recipients, who often encounter financial hurdles to enlisting at out-of-state centers. The HEART Act would permit patients to register at multiple centers, potentially halving wait times and reducing mortality rates by about 20%.
New York State Senator Lea Webb expressed strong support for the bill, stating, “The Helping Equal Access to Registrations for Transplants (HEART) Act is a critical step toward ensuring that all New Yorkers have equal access to life-saving organ transplants.”
Assemblymember Amy Paulin highlighted that the HEART Act transcends partisan lines. “This is not a partisan issue – it is a human issue. It is a moral issue. And it is a life-or-death issue.”
The state passed a significant milestone last year, with the majority of age-eligible New Yorkers registering as organ donors. Nonetheless, approximately 8,000 individuals remain on the transplant waitlist, and near 400 die annually due to donor shortages.
Assemblymember Robert Smullen, whose son became an organ donor posthumously, called for broader participation in donor registration. “I encourage all New Yorkers to register as donors and participate in this incredible program.”
Highlighting personal ties, Assemblymember Latrice Walker and Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia emphasized the moral imperative to improve accessibility to organ transplants. Walker noted the legislation’s importance in granting Medicaid recipients equal chances, while Tapia connected it to her family’s experience with organ transplantation.
DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder reaffirmed the DMV’s commitment to facilitating donor registration. “Together with our partners, we will continue to raise awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation, and help spread the gift of life to the thousands of New Yorkers in need.”
New Yorkers interested in registering as organ donors can do so via DonateLifeNYS.org/register.
