NLIS 4
April 27, 2000
(Health and Community Services)

Department of Health and Community Services acknowledges
National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week

The Department of Health and Community Services today acknowledged April 23-30 as National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week.

The issue of organ and tissue donation affects people not just in Newfoundland and Labrador, but throughout the country. Canada has one of the lowest organ donation rates in the developed world. While donated organs and tissues can help save or enhance the quality of life of many, hundreds die each year due to a shortage of donations. At any given time, more than 2,500 people are on waiting lists for transplant operations.

Everyone should consider themselves to be a potential organ or tissue donor, regardless of age � it is the health of the individual, not the age, which is the deciding factor.

Becoming a donor is a very personal decision. Once decided, you should sign an organ donor card or indicate on your drivers license. People should also discuss their decision to donate with family members as this will enable them to carry out their wishes. Often it is the case that family members are unaware of the wishes of a potential organ donor and, in many instances, it is the family who makes the final decision.

The Kidney Foundation of Canada and the Canadian Association of Transplantation (CAT) have joined forces to actively promote National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week. These organizations are urging Canadians to make a positive decision regarding organ and tissue donation and to show support in giving the gift of life. Canadians are asked to wear a green ribbon to show their support. The wearing of ribbons to support particular causes has become an accepted practice and the green ribbon in particular symbolizes life. "Talk to your Family" is one of the major themes being promoted by The Kidney Foundation of Canada and CAT.

Media contact: Melissa Watton, (709) 729-2788.

2000 04 27                                                 3:00 p.m.