Make a positive decision regarding organ donation
Posted on 24 March 2010 by staffwriter
National organ and tissue donation awareness week is less than a month away. What do you know about organ donation? Have you shared your wishes with your family? Have you registered your wishes?
A recent report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) noted an increasing gap between the need and availability of donated organs, particularly where kidneys are concerned. “A kidney transplant is not a cure, but it does represent the best possible improvement to health and quality of life for many people living with kidney failure,” says Paul Shay, National Executive Director of The Kidney Foundation of Canada.
In 2008, 215 Canadians died while waiting for an organ transplant. Mélanie Giroux had spoken with The Kidney Foundation, saying how demanding she found dialysis and how difficult the waiting was. Her greatest fear at the time was that of dying before a suitable organ became available. Sadly, in 2009, her fear materialized.
The Kidney Foundation of Canada is working with many different groups to improve organ donation rates. We strongly encourage Canadians to make a positive decision regarding organ donation and to discuss their wishes with their family. Organ donation saves lives.
Young Canadians have the power to make a difference. Starting a family discussion and making your wishes known is a great first step. Organ donors can save up to 8 lives and enhance as many as 75 more. Over 1600 Ontarians are waiting for an organ transplant.
5 Ways You Can Make a Difference this National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week
(April 18-25)
1) Encourage five people to learn more about organ donation. Visit www.kidney.on.ca for more information and learn how to add your name to the registry at www.giftoflife.on.ca
2) Spread a message of organ donation in your faith community. A simple message in your community newsletter or bulletin could help encourage others to have a family discussion about organ donation.
3) Learn more about The Kidney Foundation’s Ontario Renal Voices Program and how you can facilitate a dialogue about kidney disease and organ donation with your MPP. Visit the Programs and Services pages at www.kidney.on.ca or call Mary Floro-White at 1-800-387.4474, ext. 4974.
4) Organize a “Green Day” at your workplace. Encourage your co-workers to wear green during NOTDAW and learn more about organ donation. You can also get involved in a Living Green Ribbon event or organize one in your community; find out more by visiting the Organ Donation section at www.kidney.on.ca.
5) Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.
0 COMMENTS:
Post a Comment