#United States #New York #LiveOnNY #organ donation #OCME

LiveOnNY Celebrates Vital Contributions of OCME in Organ Donation

On November 12, 2025, LiveOnNY, the dedicated organ procurement organization (OPO) for the New York metropolitan area, held a groundbreaking recognition ceremony at the Hirsch Center for Forensic Sciences in Manhattan. The event honored the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) and its more than 400 staff members for their outstanding efforts in facilitating organ donation.

This ceremony marked the first time that OCME has received formal recognition from an OPO for their collaborative efforts in promoting organ transplant initiatives. Leonard Achan, President and CEO of LiveOnNY, presented Donor Champion Medals to the OCME team, underscoring their invaluable contributions to saving lives through organ and tissue donation.

Among the attendees were donor families, transplant recipients, and key figures such as Micholas Schultz, First Deputy Commissioner of OCME, and Dr. Jason Graham, Chief Medical Examiner. They participated in a heartfelt celebration that highlighted the life-saving impact of organ donation and the essential work performed by the OCME.

Over the past three years, LiveOnNY has experienced a remarkable increase in organ donations, with nearly a 70% rise attributed to successful partnerships like that with OCME. This collaboration ensures that when the possibility of organ donation arises, families are approached with compassion and respect, and the process can proceed without compromising the necessary forensic investigations.

Leonard Achan commented, “The increase in organ donations can be credited, in large part, to the extraordinary partnership with the OCME. Their dedicated team of physicians, investigators, and support staff plays an integral role in navigating the complexities of organ donation in challenging circumstances.”

Dr. Jason Graham expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “Our work to balance the investigative responsibilities of our department with the wishes of donors and their families is crucial. This partnership with LiveOnNY helps convert moments of profound loss into hope for many families.”

Suzanne Miles-Gustave, New York City Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, added, “This partnership between OCME and LiveOnNY is pivotal for saving lives and enhancing public health. It represents the essence of our commitment to serve the community while advancing the mission of both organizations.”

In situations involving unexpected deaths, OCME is tasked with investigating cases where individuals may be potential organ donors, thereby significantly affecting the overall rate of organ donations. Research suggests that a substantial number of potential donors fall under the jurisdiction of medical examiners, highlighting the importance of their role in this sensitive process.

Effective joint protocols between OCME and LiveOnNY allow the latter to perform its functions while adhering to the legal obligations of the former. LiveOnNY collaborates closely with hospitals, donor families, and medical examiners to ensure that organs and tissues are recovered with the utmost care and allocated justly via the national transplant system.

Nicholas Schultz emphasized the necessity of cooperation between organ procurement organizations and medical examiner offices to facilitate organ and tissue donations effectively, particularly in cases involving young, otherwise healthy individuals. “Timely coordination can prevent the biological clock from running out, significantly improving the chances of successful donations,” he affirmed.

The event also highlighted personal stories from donor families and recipients. Pamela Ariza, who lost her daughter in a tragic accident, found solace in knowing her daughter’s last act was to help others. “In the darkest time of my life, I find comfort in the fact that three lives were saved through her generosity,” she shared.

Kelsey Weddig, a double organ recipient, noted, “Receiving the gift of life has changed my world fundamentally. I’m forever grateful to the donors and the teams responsible for this miracle.” Dr. Sylvio Burcescu, who received a kidney donation, echoed similar sentiments, praising the remarkable work done by those involved in organ donation.

The ceremony not only recognized the OCME’s significant role in organ donation but also aimed to raise awareness of the essential collaboration required across various sectors to improve the lives of many New Yorkers. The collective efforts of LiveOnNY and the OCME demonstrate how teamwork in healthcare can yield extraordinary results, turning tragedy into hope for families across the region.

About LiveOnNY

Founded in 1978, LiveOnNY is a federally designated organ procurement organization committed to respecting and transforming lives through organ and tissue donation. With partnerships covering over 100 hospitals, LiveOnNY has effectively increased organ donations by an impressive 85% over the last five years, supporting a diverse population in New York City and surrounding counties.

About OCME

Established in 1918 as the first comprehensive medical examiner office in the U.S., the OCME provides high-quality forensic services and advanced laboratory facilities. It is renowned for producing a significant number of the nation’s board-certified forensic pathologists and plays a crucial role in community support during times of need.