Organ and tissue donation is a complex issue. There are many myths, mistruths and confusion around organ donation. Importantly one person as a single organ/tissue donor may improve the life of up to 10 recipients.
Australia has a generous organ and tissue donation registration rate of 76%. However, less than 1% of all deaths in Australia occur under appropriate conditions where donated organs can successfully be retrieved for transplantation. Therefore, of all these 76% of amazing and willing donors only 1% will be viable as donors. Statistics find that of these potential viable donors, 56% of families will consent to donation.
Organ and tissue donation is a complex issue. There are many myths, mistruths and confusion around organ donation. Importantly one person as a single organ/tissue donor may improve the life of up to 10 recipients. Transplant Australia provides great information around myths associated with donation.
For example, religion is often seen as a barrier to organ and tissue donation. The reality is most religions support organ and tissue donation as generous acts that benefit people. This includes Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Judaism. Transplant Australia encourages potential donors who have doubts to speak to their religious adviser. Alternatively, you may like to read about organ and tissue donation in relation to all the major religions at DonateLife-Religious and cultural support statements.
How To Become An Organ Donor Hero
Another myth is that you register as an organ donor hero via your driver’s licence. This is only true if you live in South Australia. All other states require you to register through Medicare.
Become A Registered Organ Donor Hero today by logging into the Medicare App. Under the heading Services select the third option Organ Donation. From there you simply select the options suitable to you. Otherwise you can register via Australian Organ Donor Register. It takes just a minute to complete the simple form.
Is Organ Donation Right For You
You must be at least 16 years old to register as a donor. Age should not deter you from considering donation. The transplant team carefully evaluates age and medical history; therefore, don’t assume you are too old, too young, or not healthy enough. Your organs and tissues could be viable for donation and transform the lives of 7 or more people.
Organ Donation In Australia
In Australia, approximately 1,800 people are on the transplant waiting list at any one time. More than 14, 000 Australians are on kidney dialysis and may benefit from a kidney transplant. If you have read my post about Heart Transplant Eligibility Requirements or completed your own work up for transplant, you will understand how hard it is to be listed on the active transplant list.
Fortunately, Australia has a generous donor organ / tissue registration rate of 76%. However, less than 1% of all deaths in Australia occur under appropriate conditions where donated organs can successfully be retrieved for transplantation. Therefore, of all these 76% of amazing and willing donors only 1% will be viable as donors. Statistics find that of these potential viable donors, only 55% of families will consent to donation.
Can Your Family Decline Your Transplant Wishes?
Australian families will be asked to give their consent before donation can proceed. Families are required to confirm the donation wishes of their loved one. Therefore, registering your wishes is only step one of organ donation. Step 2 is discussing your wishes with your loved ones. This means up to 45% of viable and willing donors have families who decline organ donation on their behalf. For this reason it is vital you discuss your organ donor registration with your loved ones to ensure your wish to become a Donor Hero is respected and carried out. Source: Transplant Australia/The Facts
What Is DonateLife Week?
DonateLife Week in Australia is a national awareness week that occurs in July each year to encourage more Australians to register and advocate for organ and tissue donation. DonateLife Week occurs from Sunday 28 July to Sunday 4 August 2024.
You can help during DonateLife Week by adding it to your calendar. Create a post on social media. Visit DonateLife Week closer to July to find out about local events. You might be in a position to volunteer, if not you might like to create and register an event in tribute to your donor and their family.
Organ Donation In America
In America people are encouraged to promote organ and tissue donation and DonateLife Week by participating in National Donate Life Blue & Green Day on social media. During DonateLife Week (which is in April), people are asked to raise awareness for organ and tissue donation by wearing blue and green, then posting a photo to their personal social media profiles and use the hashtag #BlueGreenDay.
What Is National Donor Heroes Night 2024
This year our Australian National Donor Heroes Night is Saturday, 18 May 2024.
Donor Heroes Night is a special occasion that brings together donor families, transplant recipients, and supporters to honour the selfless act of organ and tissue donation.
Everyone is encouraged to light a candle or leave on your porch light on the night of 18 May 2024. In doing so, you join a nationwide tribute to the heroes who have given the gift of life to others through organ and or tissue donation.
Taking a photo of your porch light or illuminated candle on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter helps spread awareness about the significance of organ donation and encourages others to consider registering as donors. It’s a simple yet powerful way to show support for this life-saving cause.
Don’t miss this opportunity to pay tribute to donor heroes, express gratitude, and advocate for organ and tissue donation. Together, we can make a difference and inspire more people to become donors. Visit the Donor Families Australia website for more details on how you can participate in Donor Heroes Night and contribute to this meaningful event.
Raise Awareness For Organ Donation
Together let us increase awareness for Organ / Tissue Donation and Donor Heroes. I encourage you to use all avenues to advocate for Organ Donation.
David Koche (OAM) was the chairman of the Organ and Tissue Authority Advisory Council.
David Koche even becomes an advocate for Organ Donation during episode 8 of Kochie’s Budget Challenge.
As David Koche (Kochie) says at the end of the segment …
“Michelle and I are both passionate about organ donation. Anyone in Australia age 16 and over can register on the Australian Organ Donor Register.
Remember it’s your decision not your family’s so you must tell the family about your wishes so they can carry them out.
Register through the Medicare app or go to donatelife.gov.au. It just takes one minute and you could save a life just like Michelle’s”,
What methods will you use to raise awareness for organ and tissue donation? Please share your ideas and make a comment in the form below.
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