Are you a blood donor?
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Have you ever considered registering to be an organ donor?
As part of DonateLife Week, July 30 to August 6, blood donors are given an Australian Organ Donor Registration form at the blood donation appointment along with their regular paperwork.
It is part of a collaboration between DonateLife Tasmania and the Australian Red Cross Blood Service to encourage blood donors to register their decision on organ and tissue donation.
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DonateLife executive officer Davin Hibberd said blood donors were already well aware of the effect their donation can have on not only individuals but families and communities.
“Blood donors are already known for their giving spirit, so asking them to consider registering their organ and tissue donation decision during DonateLife Week 2017 is an extension of the idea of helping others,” Mr Hibberd said.
The campaign followed the discovery that only a third of Australians are on the Australian Organ Donor Register, although more than 65 per cent of people indicated they were willing to donate.
“Those who donate blood are already the giving type; they care deeply about their community and we hope this campaign will encourage blood donors to extend their generosity to those Tasmanians and their families waiting for an organ transplant,” Mr Hibberd said.
He urged Tasmanian businesses, organisations and individuals to support the DonateLife week campaign and promote the message throughout their networks and families to encourage registration as an organ and tissue donor.
About 1400 Australian currently are on the transplant wait list.
Just one person’s organs and tissue can be used to save or improve the lives of at least 10 of those people.
Close to 95 per cent of Australians that are aware of their family member’s decision to donate suggest they would stand by their decision.
“DonateLife Week is an important time for everyone in the community to think about their decision on organ and tissue donation,” Mr Hibberd said.
“We encourage all Tasmanians to talk with their families about their organ donation decision and join the Australian Organ Donor Register.”
While hard-copy registration forms will be available at the nearest Red Cross Blood Donor Centre, registration can be done online at www.donatelife.gov.au.
So take DonateLife Week as a reminder to tell your family your wishes.