Be a Donor Month: How you can help save lives
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
Did you know that there are about 1,400 people waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant today in Ontario? This is their only treatment option, and every three days someone will die because they did not get their transplant in time.
But you can help. When you register your consent for organ and tissue donation, you let those waiting know that you would help them if you could.
April is Be A Donor Month, and Norfolk General Hospital (NGH), in partnership with Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN), is encouraging residents to register as organ and tissue donors.
“We’re grateful for our partnership with Trillium Gift of Life Network and the lives that have been saved because of the selfless acts of patients and their families in making the decision to be a donor,” says Adam Isaacs, NGH’s Director of the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit.
Some facts to consider:
- One donor can save up to 8 lives through organ donation and enhance the lives of up to 75 more through the gift of tissue.
- Age alone does not disqualify someone from becoming a donor. There’s always potential to be a donor; it shouldn’t stop you from registering.
- Your current or past medical history does not prevent you from registering to be a donor. Individuals with serious illnesses can, sometimes, be organ and/or tissue donors. Each potential donor is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- All major religions support organ and tissue donation, or respect an individual’s choice.
- Organ and tissue donation does not impact funeral plans. An open casket funeral is possible.
NGH and TGLN will continue to grow and support individuals and families in need of life-saving and enhancing organs and tissues in the years to come. During our last fiscal year, NGH has had two organ donors saving several lives, as well as a couple of tissue donors that have improved the lives of many.
While the majority of Ontarians believe that organ donation is a good thing, just over a quarter of us are registered as donors. Some great strides have been made in Ontario over the past year, but still more needs to be done. You can Spread the Word by encouraging your friends and family to register their consent to become organ and tissue donors.
Currently, 35 percent of Ontarians are registered donors. That is 4.7 million people out of an eligible 13.1 million. According to www.beadonor.ca, 45 percent of residents living in Brant and Norfolk Counties are registered donors.
You can become an organ and tissue donor and help someone in need by registering at www.beadonor.ca .
Ontario Health (Trillium Gift of Life Network) is responsible for delivering and coordinating organ and tissue donation and transplantation services across the province, as well as for planning, promoting, and supporting all health care and allied professionals, advocates, and the Ontario public in fulfilling their shared and integrated responsibilities in saving the lives of Ontarians waiting for a life-saving transplant.