Mohawk Valley Times

Assemblyman Robert Smullen has announced his support for Assembly Bill A.7011, which aims to amend the Public Health Law. The amendment would allow individuals to register as organ, eye, or tissue donors when filing their state income taxes electronically in the “Donate Life Registry.”

New York has one of the lowest organ donor registration rates in the United States, despite a high demand for transplants. There are approximately 8,000 people in New York currently waiting for an organ transplant. Each year, many die because a suitable donor was not found.

Smullen and other legislators believe that New York has made strides in increasing donor registrations through places like the DMV, voter registration, healthcare exchanges, and student financial aid applications. However, they emphasize that more can be done to improve outreach. Since tax filing reaches a wide demographic annually, it could be an effective tool for raising awareness and encouraging participation in organ donation.

"Creating the option for New Yorkers to register as donors and participate in the New York State Donate Life program while completing their income tax filings is a common-sense, easy way to help save lives," said Smullen. "We must continue to create as many avenues as possible to encourage and improve the process for New Yorkers to register as organ, eye and/or tissue donors so the number of donors in the NYS Donate Life program continues to increase."

Smullen shared a personal connection to the cause, mentioning his late son, Alexander John "AJ" Smullen. "My late son, Alexander John ‘AJ’ Smullen, courageously gave the ultimate gift by participating in the Donate Life program and donating to five families in need—that is five less families who might have lost a loved one had they not received a donation in time," said Smullen. He plans to work with his legislative colleagues to expand the New York State Donate Life program. He encourages those interested in participating to register as donors.

For more information on Assembly Bill A.7011, further details are available for those interested. Similarly, information is available for registering as a donor and joining the New York State Donate Life program.