News from Assemblyman 130th Assembly District JOSEPH A. ERRIGO   For immediate release: February 14th, 2005 Contact: Adam Peterson (585) 334-5210 District Office: 3045 East Henrietta Rd., Henrietta, NY  14467 Albany Office: Rm 427 LOB, Albany, NY  12248

COLUMN FOR THE WEEK OF 2-14-05 BY ASSEMBLYMAN JOSEPH ERRIGO   JOIN THE STATE ORGAN AND TISSUE DONOR REGISTRY        Are you looking for a great way to touch the lives of many people by giving them a chance to resume full, productive lives? If so, then I urge you to enroll in the state Organ and Tissue Donor Registry.      There is a severe shortage of organs and tissues for transplantation. There are 7,000 New Yorkers awaiting organ transplants and more than 20,000 people in need of tissue donations for lifesaving transplants, as in the case of burn and cancer patients.      An organ donor (heart, lungs, liver, kidney, pancreas and intestines) can save up to eight lives, while a tissue donor (corneas, bone, skin, heart valves, tendons, veins) can improve 12 or more lives by restoring eyesight, helping fight infections in burn patients and preventing the loss of arms or legs.      When tragedy strikes, it's often very hard to look beyond the immediate results. However, organ and tissue donation is an amazing way to make a final gift, and to give the gift of life to someone who may be very ill or near death.      To become an organ donor, check the donor box on your driver license, non-driver identification card application or renewal form, then visit the state Department of Health Web site at www.health.state.ny.us to finalize your decision. More information about being an organ donor is detailed on the Web site. -30-