Released 01/08/2017
Canberrans are encouraged to make their decision count this DonateLife Week by registering to save lives on the Australian Organ Donor Register.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Meegan Fitzharris said organ and tissue donation remained a priority for the ACT Government, with funding in the latest Budget to promote organ and tissue donations and registrations.
“The ACT continues to make good progress in our organ and tissue donation rates. Already between January and June 2017, the generosity of eight ACT organ donors and their families has enabled 17 people to receive lifesaving organ transplants,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“In 2016, the ACT recorded the highest donation rate in Australia but there is still much more we can do to increase awareness and registrations.”
Registering to become an organ donor and making your decision known to family and loved ones, are themes promoted during national DonateLife Week 2017 – Make your decision count.
Organ donation is rare with only one per cent of people who die in specific circumstances deemed ok to donate.
However, many more people can be tissue donors, who also play a significant role in saving lives.
“We know that families who have discussed organ and tissue donation in advance are 88 per cent more likely to say ‘yes’ to donation when asked,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“Through the efforts of DonateLife ACT we have achieved life-changing donation outcomes for many Canberrans as well as people living in other areas of Australia,” Minister Fitzharris said.
Activities to mark DonateLife Week 2017 across Canberra will include:
- The National Carillon, Kings Avenue Bridge and Telstra Tower will be illuminated in the DonateLife national colour (magenta);
- Trees across Canberra will be transformed into ‘Trees of Life’ with leaves sprouting stories from local donor and recipients families;
- DonateLife ACT is partnering with the Greater Western Sydney GIANTS AFL team and will be handing out information and donor registration forms at the upcoming game on Saturday 5 August;
- Videos involving local donor and recipients families will be shared in social media using the hashtags #DonateLife and #makeitcount;
- The DonateLife ACT team will be donating blood midweek at the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, with local supporters encouraged to also participate in giving blood; and
- Other local events including thanksgiving, promotion, education and information sessions will take place in various workplaces, shopping centers and in Canberra’s two public hospitals.
Canberrans can make their decision count by registering on the Australian Organ Donor Register. To learn more about organ and tissue donation, phone DonateLife ACT on 6174 5625 or visit http://www.donatelife.gov.au/.
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases