Monday, May 19, 2025
Every day, nearly 8,000 New Yorkers wait for a lifesaving organ transplant. Each year, too many of them die before receiving one. Despite the extraordinary advancements in medicine and the generosity of registered organ donors, New York still has one of the lowest donor registration rates in the country. But we have the power to change that — through education.
As an assemblyman, I’ve met countless advocates fighting to raise awareness of organ donation, but none as inspiring as Ava Walia, above left, a 12-year-old from Syosset who has dedicated herself to this cause. Ava isn’t just a student; she is a leader, a Donate Life Child Ambassador, and an advocate determined to make a difference. She knows that knowledge is key to increasing donor participation, and she has a bold idea to ensure that every child in New York understands the importance of organ donation. Together we’ve even traveled to the White House to advocate for greater organ donation education initiatives.
Ava’s impressive legislative proposal, the Organ Donation Education in Schools Act, would require New York schools to incorporate organ donation education into health curriculums from elementary through high school. The legislation is simple, but its impact would be profound. Texas has already implemented similar lessons in its schools, and New York should follow suit. By teaching students about organ donation in an age-appropriate way, we can dispel myths, address fears, and empower young people to have informed conversations with their families.
For Ava, this issue is personal. Her grandfather’s health struggles opened her eyes to the lifesaving power of organ donation. She saw firsthand how transplants give people a second chance at life, and she has made it her mission to spread awareness. She has already educated her own classmates through presentations, and now she is pushing for change at the state level.
The truth is, many people hesitate to register as organ donors because of misinformation. Some believe they won’t receive proper medical care if they are donors, or that their religious beliefs prevent them from donating — neither of which is true. Education is the best way to dispel fear with facts. Studies show that people who learn about organ donation early in life are more likely to become registered donors when they turn 16.
In addition to expanding education in K-12 schools, the Organ Donation Education in Schools Act would build on New York’s commitment to increase donation rates by making it easier for young adults to register. Under this proposal, students applying to SUNY and CUNY schools would have the option to enroll in the state Donate Life Registry directly on their college applications. This simple step would increase donor participation among young New Yorkers at a critical decision-making moment in their lives.
This is more than just a policy proposal — it’s a movement built on compassion, knowledge and the power of young voices. Ava’s advocacy has already inspired action at the state level, and together we are working to pass this legislation and make a lasting difference.
To the students, parents and educators reading this: Let’s ensure that every young New Yorker has access to the lifesaving knowledge of organ donation. By teaching kindness, civic responsibility and the science behind transplants, we can create a future in which no one dies waiting for a donor.
Ava is proof that one person — even one young person — can change the world. Now it’s time for New York to act.
Jake Blumencranz represents the 15th Assembly District.
