Acting District Midwife Manager Katrina McLeod and Donation Specialist Nurse Patrick Regan with the specially marked coffee cup that makes registering as an organ and tissue donor easy.
Register as an organ donor and help save lives
Jul 29, 2022This DonateLife Week (24 to 31 July) is a good time to remind each other about the importance of organ and tissue donation.
Mid North Coast Local Health District Intensive Care and Donation Medical Specialist Dr Michael Sutherland said only about one-third of eligible Australians have registered their donation decision on the Australian Organ Donor Register.
“If you are registered as a donor and you are in the one per cent of people who die in a way such that donation is a possibility, a single organ donor can help save up to seven lives, sometimes more,” Dr Sutherland said.
DonateLife Week provides the opportunity to have a conversation with your family about organ and tissue donation, and take the next step to register.
It doesn’t matter how old you are, your medical history, your lifestyle, what country you’re from or how healthy you are – you can still register as an organ and tissue donor. Even if you’ve had COVID-19.
“Donation and transplantation are completely ethical practices, supported by all major religious groups, as examples of humanitarian kindness,” Dr Sutherland said.
“If you are not registered, doctors will ask your family after you have died what they think and that’s very tough decision for them. They won’t know if you don’t tell them.
“Our teams at Mid North Coast Local Health District have devoted our working lives to helping others, and making a difference. This is a part of that. Make a difference today, simply by registering your donation decision.”
This year it’s easier than ever with a host of local cafés across Mid North Coast placing special QR code stickers on takeaway coffee cups, so you can register on the spot.
To find a participating café or for more information: https://www.donatelife.gov.au/