ALBANY, N.Y. (WENY) -- April officially marks National Donate Life Month, and Governor Kathy Hochul and actor and comedian Tracy Morgan are urging New Yorkers to give the gift of life by joining the New York State Donate Life Registry. 

According to New York State, there are nearly 10,000 New Yorkers that are in need of a life-saving organ transplant.

In the United States alone, there are about 120,000 people in need of a transplant, with New Yorkers making up 10 percent of those cases. 

In a recent statement, Hochul emphasizes  "too many New Yorkers find themselves faced with the knowledge that they or someone they love is in need of an organ transplant," adding "It only takes a moment to enroll, and that moment can end up saving lives. I encourage all New Yorkers to join Tracy and me and donate life."

All New Yorkers 16 years old and older are eligible to sign up as an organ and tissue donor. For more information on how to become a donor, visit the official donation registry website to see if you qualify