DON’T ASSUME you’re too old or not healthy enough to donate organs or tissue.
That’s the message of DonateLife Week, which is urging people to join the Australian Organ Donor Register online and to share their decision with family and friends.
DonateLife Week, from July 30 -August 6, is part of a government drive to increase organ and tissue donation.
Last year just over 1440 Australians received a life-saving transplant – up 17 per cent from the previous year – through the generosity of 503 deceased organ donors or their families who agreed at the time of their loved one’s death.
But despite this, 1400 Australians and their families await transplant, as do a further 12,000 people on dialysis.
And only one in three Australians have joined the organ donor register, even though four out of five believe registration of donation decisions is important.
“Many people think they’re too old, too young, or not healthy enough to donate,” said DonateLife Tasmania’s state medical director Andrew Turner.
“The reality is almost anyone can donate their organs and tissue. While your age and medical history will be considered. You shouldn’t assume you are too old, too young or not healthy enough.”
The senior clinician believes organ and tissue donation is the ultimate gift.
“The reality is more Australian lives could be saved if more people decided to become organ and tissue donors.
“You can save and improve the lives of 10 or more people as an organ and tissue donor.”
- You can sign up at www.donatelife.gov.au