NEW YORK (WENY) - Typically, New York State is on the forefront of many issues, but when it comes to organ donation, it's dead last.
To solve this crisis the state is taking a younger approach. Starting Tuesday New York State teens 16- and 17-year-olds will now be allowed to become organ donors. Lawmakers are hoping this change in the law will allow the empire state to catch up with the rest of the nation, and address this public health crisis.
Right now, there's nearly 10,000 New Yorkers waiting for an organ transplant. Assemblyman Phil Palmesano says 1,500 of them having been waiting for more than five years. "This is an issue that impacts everyone. At any given day it could impact your family member who might be needing a life saving
To solve this crisis the state is taking a younger approach. Starting Tuesday New York State teens 16- and 17-year-olds will now be allowed to become organ donors. Lawmakers are hoping this change in the law will allow the empire state to catch up with the rest of the nation, and address this public health crisis.
Right now, there's nearly 10,000 New Yorkers waiting for an organ transplant. Assemblyman Phil Palmesano says 1,500 of them having been waiting for more than five years. "This is an issue that impacts everyone. At any given day it could impact your family member who might be needing a life saving