DonateLife Week starts today, encouraging all Australians to have the chat about becoming an organ and tissue donor.
DonateLife Week is a key part of the Australian Government’s national reform program and is led by the Organ and Tissue Authority (OTA). Events will take place throughout Australia informing people on how organ and tissue donation saves lives.
One donor can transform the lives of up to 10 people and significantly improve the lives of many more. People of any age regardless of gender, ethnicity or religion can one day need a life-transforming or life-saving transplant, with around 1,500 people are on Australian organ transplant waiting lists at any one time.
Very few people – less than 1 per cent – will die in hospital in the specific circumstances where organ donation is possible. Many more have the opportunity to donate tissue.
The majority of Australians are both willing to become organ and tissue donors and know that family confirmation is required for donation to take place. To optimise every potential organ and tissue donor, every Australian family needs to ask and know their loved ones’ donation decisions. Although three in four Australians have discussed the subject with family members, only 53% of people know their loved ones’ donation decisions.
Importantly, 96% of those who do know their loved ones’ donation decision say they would uphold their decision.
This DonateLife Week, have the chat with your loved ones so that they know your donation decision. You also need to ask and know their donation decision because inAustralia, the family of every potential donor is always asked to confirm the donation wishes of their loved one before organ and/or tissue donation can proceed.
This week is a good opportunity to register your donation decision on the Australian Organ Donor Register, and encourage your loved ones to register their decision.
Find out more about DonateLife at http://temp.donatelife.gov.au/home
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