Organ donation - it's just one of those things.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Most of us are supportive of organ donation or even plan to be one ourselves but often we don't follow through with that sentiment.
If you've ever thought about organ donation, or have previously planned to sign up - this week is the week.
It's DonateLife Week, the awareness week that celebrates the miracle of organ donation by sharing powerful stories of donors and recipients.
In a recent survey conducted by YouGov Galaxy, 88 per cent of respondents aged 18-25 were aware they could register to be a donor but just 14 per cent reported having signed up. The actual number of young Australians registered is even less.
In Australia, you can register from the age of 16 and the AODR shows just 8.1 per cent of those aged 16-25 are currently on the register. This year, the DonateLife team are focusing on busting some myths around organ donation. You are never too young, too old, or too unhealthy to become an organ donor and the earlier you sign up the better your chance of having your wishes on organ donation fulfilled.
Becoming an organ donor is a measured and considered choice and it's important people take the time to consider whether they would like to be an organ donor and communicate that with their family or partner. When it comes to donation outcomes, Tasmania has already broken records, with 12 Tasmanians donating life-saving organs to 36 people.
Tasmania also has the second-highest number of registrations in Australia, with about 48 per cent of the population on the organ donation register.
In June 2018, there were just over 203,200 registered in Tasmania, and in June this year, there were more than 207,600.
This year's campaign is about finding a "plus one" or someone to sign up to the register to attempt to double the number of sign-ups during DonateLife Week.
Registering online is easy and takes less than a minute, at www.donatelife.gov.au - will you take the next step this year? Let's do it together. DonateLife Week runs from July 28 until August 4.