The Organ and Tissue Authority is offering grants to the tune of $430,000 to encourage community organisations to conduct events during Donate Life Week in July.
Minister for Aged Care, Ken Wyatt said the Authority was specifically looking for applications for events or activities that would engage with specific groups such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders or multicultural groups.
“We want all Australians to speak with family and friends to let them know if they want to be a donor and register on the Australian Organ Donation Register,” Mr Wyatt said.
“To do that we need to increase awareness and understanding about organ donation and transplantation across Australia,” he said.
“In 2018, the generosity of 554 deceased organ donors and their families, and 238 living donors, saved and improved the lives of 1,782 Australians.
“A further 10,500 Australians benefited from tissue donation.”
Mr Wyatt said there were around 1,400 people currently on the waiting list for a transplant and around 12,000 people on dialysis.
“One day it might be you, or a family member, that needs a transplant,” he said.
“This is why we need to do more.”
He said the DonateLife Community Awareness Grants were provided by the Organ and Tissue Authority as part of its national Community Awareness and Education Program.
Applications are invited from non-Government organisations and professional bodies, including community-based not-for-profit organisations and Local Government associations.
Applications close on 14 March and more information is available from the Authority website at this PS News link.
