SLATER SUPPORTS DONATE LIFE MONTH, ENCOURAGES NEW YORKERS TO REGISTER

Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) is encouraging residents across the Hudson Valley to register as organ and tissue donors in recognition of National Donate Life Month, highlighting the life-saving impact of donation and the urgent need for more registered donors in New York.

Slater joined advocates, families and local officials at the state Capitol this month to raise awareness about organ donation and honor those whose generosity has given others a second chance at life.

“Every donor has the power to save lives and give hope to families in their most difficult moments,” said Slater. “Donate Life Month is an important reminder that registering as an organ donor is one of the most meaningful ways we can make a lasting difference.”

According to Donate Life New York State, more than 8,000 New Yorkers are currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, and many will wait years for the opportunity. Nationwide, more than 100,000 people remain on transplant waiting lists, underscoring the ongoing need for donors.

Slater also highlighted his support for legislation (A.10299A), sponsored by Assemblywoman Tapia, that would expand opportunities for New Yorkers to register as organ donors by allowing individuals to enroll in the Donate Life Registry when electronically filing their state income tax returns.

The bill would require the state to include an option on electronic tax filings for individuals to register as organ, eye and tissue donors, creating another accessible and familiar “doorway to donation.” Similar initiatives in states like Michigan, Wisconsin and California have successfully increased donor registration while maintaining privacy and security protections.

“Expanding access points for registration is key to saving more lives,” Slater said. “By meeting people where they already are—like during the tax filing process—we can make it easier than ever for New Yorkers to take that simple but powerful step.”

Slater emphasized that one organ donor can save up to eight lives and help dozens more through tissue and eye donation, making each registration critically important. Local leaders in Putnam County have also joined the effort to boost donor registration, recognizing the profound impact organ donation has on families and communities.

“Donate Life New York State is thrilled to support the 2026 Doorways to Donation Act, which will give the 10 million New Yorkers who file their taxes electronically another opportunity to register as an organ donor,” said Aisha Tator, Executive Director of Donate Life New York State. “At a moment when over 8,000 New Yorkers are waiting for a lifesaving transplant, it is critical that New Yorkers are able to enroll as donors easily. Thank you to our fantastic partners in the New York Assembly, including Assemblyman Matt Slater, for their partnership in addressing this health crisis to save and heal lives.”

Scott Wohl, LiveOnNY Vice President, Community & Public Affairs, said, “This important legislation creates a simple, seamless opportunity for more individuals to register as organ donors when filing their taxes. By expanding access in this way, we can empower more New Yorkers to make a lifesaving decision – one that has the power to give hope to the thousands of patients waiting for a transplant. Increasing donor registration means more lives saved and more families given a second chance.”

“Organ donation is one of the most selfless and life-saving decisions a person can make. By simply adding an option to register as an organ donor on tax return forms, we can make it easier for more New Yorkers to take that step and give others a second chance at life. I commend Assemblyman Slater for advancing this thoughtful, commonsense legislation that will help raise awareness and expand participation in the Donate Life program.” Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne.

“April is National Donate Life month, and we are delighted to continue working with all our partners in government to encourage residents to become an organ or tissue donor. While we are extremely proud that 63% of Putnam County residents are registered donors, we believe we can improve that percentage and help those in need.” Michael Bartolotti, Putnam County Clerk.

“Registering takes just a few minutes, but it can mean a lifetime for someone else,” Slater added. “I encourage everyone to have this conversation with their loved ones and consider becoming a donor.”