(Source: Canadian Blood Services)
It’s National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness week, and if you aren’t signed up to be an organ donor, you might want to consider it.
The week is meant to bring awareness to the critical need for donors across the country, and educate people on the process.
In Canada, over 4,000 people are waiting for a lifesaving transplant. On average, 250 Canadians die each year waiting for a transplant.
Nadya Savoie with the New Brunswick Organ and Tissue Program there are over 150 New Brunswickers on the wait list this year.
“It’s our change to encourage all Canadians and for us here in New Brunswickers, to register for their decision to become organ and tissue donors, and share their decision with their family and loved ones.”
Savoie says one person can improve the lives of many.
A single organ donor can save as many as eight lives, and a tissue donor improves the quality of life for up to 75 people.
You can also donate your corneas, which Savoie says can restore sight for two people.
In New Brunswick, becoming a donor is easy.
“For us here in New Brunswick, we do it via our provincial Medicare card, so if people want to register their intent to donate they can do that when it’s time to renew their medicare card,” said Savoie.
You can also do it over the phone by calling Service New Brunswick.
More information on becoming a donor can be found online.
