SC New York News

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano has announced the second annual Student Art Contest, organized by Donate Life New York State. The contest is part of the celebrations for Donate Life Month, encouraging students to express their views and stories about organ donation through art. Submissions are due by February 28, with winners being notified by March 21. Entries must be submitted by a teacher or parent and include the student's name, grade level, age, address, phone number, and email. The contest features four categories: elementary (fourth and fifth grades), middle school (sixth through eighth grades), high school (ninth and tenth grades), and eleventh and twelfth grades.

The artwork will be displayed in the Legislative Office Building during Donate Life Month in April. Winners will receive a $100 gift card and will be acknowledged at a press conference on April 8 in Albany.

Palmesano expressed his support for the cause: “I am pleased to announce the Donate Life Student Art Contest. Organ donation is a cause near and dear to my heart, so I am always happy to help promote this important issue however I can." He highlighted that New York ranks low in organ donor enrollment compared to other states: "According to Donate Life New York, our state ranks 47th out of 52 registries of states and territories in the country in total organ donor enrollment. We have a 50% enrollment rate while the national average is 64%. As a state, we have the third-greatest need for organs but the sixth-worst enrollment rate."

Palmesano urged more people to consider becoming donors: "We can, and must, do better. I hope this art contest will help spread the word about the importance of organ donation." He encouraged those who haven't registered as donors yet to discuss it with their families: "If you have already registered to become an organ donor, thank you. If you have not, please talk to your family and consider it as you can help save the lives of your fellow New Yorkers."

He concluded with an impactful statistic: "In fact, one person who donates at their time of death can save up to eight lives and impact the lives of 75 others." Palmesano provided information on how individuals can register as donors: "To register to donate, visit your local DMV or visit the NYS Donate Life Registry website today.”