The Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Meegan Fitzharris has encouraged Canberra’s families to discuss organ donation between now and Sunday (5 August) as part of DonateLife Week.
Ms Fitzharris said that families who knew each other’s donation decisions were more likely to support them, knowing they were respecting their loved one’s wishes.
“Last year, 14 ACT organ donors and their families enabled 59 people to receive lifesaving organ transplants,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“That’s why raising awareness about organ and tissue donation remains a priority.
“We know that nine in 10 families agree to donation when their loved one is a registered donor, and that is why encouraging people to sign up and have the conversation with their loved ones is crucial.”
She said it took just one minute to register a donation decision, which could in turn make a lifetime of difference to someone.
The Minister said around 1,400 people were on the Australian organ transplant waiting list at any time and only around two per cent of people died in the specific circumstances where organ donation was possible.
She said the week aimed to raise awareness of organ and tissue donation and increase donation rates and transplantation outcomes.
This year’s national theme of DonateLife Week is Donate Strength, Donate Love, Donate Hope, Donate Life.
