Current registered organ and tissue donors are being encouraged to inspire family and friends to be their ‘plus one’ this DonateLife Week.
Mackay’s Donation Specialist Nurse Coordinator Donna Contor said if every registered person found just one person to register on the Australian Organ Donor Register, donor numbers would double.
“We want all Australians to consider making a real difference to the lives of others by registering and telling their family they want to be a donor,” Donna said.
“Last year Mackay experienced a 6% donor registration increase with around 1300 new registrations throughout 2018.
“This year we are aiming to raise the bar and surpass the 1300 donor mark.
“Ask your girlfriend, husband, mum, brother or workmate if they’ve made their donation decision and let them know registering online takes just 60 seconds. One-by-one is how we’ll make that difference.”
Donna said each year locals who generously donate their precious organs contribute to helping around 300 transplant recipients receive the gift of life. A further 920 Queenslanders donated tissue such as skin, heart valves, cornea and bone last year.
“Registering to become a donor has a direct influence on donation rates,” she said.
“Nine out of ten families proceed when their loved one is registered to be an organ donor, but this falls to five in ten if the family has no prior knowledge of their wish to donate.
“Registering your decision and having a conversation about donating takes all the stress out of the decision for families. People can feel sure their final wish will be honoured.”
A common misconception for many people is believing they are already registered or are not sure how to go about becoming a donor.
“Thankfully there are a range of options to register. It can be done online in one minute at donatelife.gov.au, via your myGov account or in paper form.”
DonateLife Week runs from Sunday 28 July to Sunday 4 August and is dedicated to increasing organ and tissue donors by urging ordinary Australians to give the gift of life to people awaiting organ and tissue transplantation.
How do I register?
Registration is easy. All you need is your Medicare card number to register at donatelife.gov.au. You can check if you’re already registered by clicking “Join the register”. It will let you know if a donor record already exists.
With around 1,400 Australians currently on the wait list for a life-saving transplant, and a further 11,000 people on dialysis, the generous act of donation has far reaching effects, changing the lives of both transplant recipients and their families.
Media Contact:
Amie Galletly | Communication Officer | 4885 6808
