This week is Organ Donor Awareness Week in Australia.
This is an extremely important issue and I hope everyone can take 15 minutes of their precious time this week to have a discussion with their loved ones regarding this issue. If you would like to be an organ donor, it is extremely important to be placed on the national register. It is even more important that your family and other loved ones are aware of your wishes as they will make the final decision.
This information is from the Medicare Australia Website:
By registering to become an organ donor you could be making the greatest gift one human being can give another – the gift of life.
There are almost 2000 people in Australia on organ transplant waiting lists at any given time. Some of them will die waiting.
There are almost 2000 people in Australia on organ transplant waiting lists at any given time. Some of them will die waiting.
The Australian Organ Donor Register is Australia’s only national organ and tissue donor register and serves as a lifeline to the people on those waiting lists.
Registering is the first crucial step.
Registering is the first crucial step.
About the Australian Organ Donor Register
The Australian Organ Donor Register is administered by Medicare Australia on behalf of the Australian Government and provides a simple way for people to record their consent (or objection) to becoming an organ and/or tissue donor.
In January 2005, Australian Health Ministers agreed that the Australian Organ Donor Register would become a Register of consent, enabling individuals to record their legal decision to becoming an organ or tissue donor after death. The Register will be operational as a consent register from July 2005.
Health Ministers agreed that the Australian Organ Donor Register would be the only national register for organ and/or tissue donation.
The Donor Register will ensure that your consent (or objection) to donating organs and/or tissue for transplantation can be verified 24 hours a day, seven days a week by authorised medical personnel, anywhere in Australia. In the event of your death, information about your decision will be accessed from the Donor Register, and provided to your family. It is important that you talk with your family before registering your decision
Australian Organ Donor Awareness Week
Australian Organ Donor Awareness Week (AODAW) is the largest public awareness campaign in Australia associated with organ and tissue donation for transplantation.
AODAW 2008 will be held from Sunday 17 February to Saturday 24 February 2008.
AODAW aims to raise donation rates in Australia by focusing on the pressing need for organ and tissue donation, encouraging families to discuss their wishes, highlighting the success of organ transplantation in Australia and promoting the registration of consent on to the Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR).
Visit our Australian Organ Donor Register
People are encouraged to ‘sign on to save lives’
Information from Lifegift - Aust. Red Cross Blood Service
One organ donor can save and improve the quality of life of up to 10 other people. Currently each year Australia has approximately 200 organ donors - this number could be doubled. A simple discussion with your partner, family and friends, as well as registering on the Australia Organ Donor Registry, will ensure your decision counts!
Australian Organ Donor Awareness Week
Australian Organ Donor Awareness Week (Sunday 17 to Sunday 24 February) is an annual campaign to raise awareness of organ and tissue donation and to encourage people to register as an organ and tissue donor. Register Today!
One organ donor can save and improve the quality of life of up to 10 other people. Organ and tissue transplantation can help the many Australians who are suffering life threatening illnesses, including heart, kidney and liver diseases, diabetes and cystic fibrosis.
There were 198 organ donors in Australia in 2007, while there are more than 1,800 Australians waiting for an organ transplant at any time. Sadly, 20% of those waiting for a heart, liver or lung transplant will die before receiving a life saving transplant.
We encourage all Australians to think about organ donation, and register onto the Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR) by calling 1800 777 203, using the link below or collecting a form at your local Medicare office. Also, NSW drivers can tick the box on your drivers licence application or renewal form or contact the RTA, but it must be done in writing!
Then, most importantly tell your family of your decision.
Australia has one of the lowest organ donation rates in the developed world. An estimated 100 people die each year while waiting for an organ transplant due to the shortage of organ and tissue donors. You can help save lives by registering your consent to become an organ and tissue donor. Remember to tell your partner, family or friends about your decision.
Transplant Australia is another good source of further information.
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