SC New York News

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano is urging constituents to participate in the second annual Student Art Contest organized by Donate Life New York State. The contest, part of Donate Life Month celebrations, invites students to express their views on organ donation through art. The deadline for submissions is February 28, with winners announced on March 21.

Entries should be submitted by a teacher or parent and must include the student's personal details such as name, grade level, age, address, phone number, and email. The contest is divided into four categories: elementary (fourth and fifth grades), middle school (sixth through eighth grades), high school (ninth and tenth grades), and high school (eleventh and twelfth grades).

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

Palmesano emphasized the importance of organ donation: “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. 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. We can, and must, do better."

He encouraged those who have not registered as organ donors to consider doing so: "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. In fact, one person who donates at their time of death can save up to eight lives and impact the lives of 75 others." Registration can be done at local DMVs or via the NYS Donate Life Registry website.