Local people are being urged to seize the day today and register as an organ donor, alongside the Mackay Cutters and Souths Sharks rugby league teams.
Clinical Nurse Consultant for organ and tissue donation at the Mackay Base Hospital Donna Contor said there will be a sign on at Shark Park from 5.30pm tomorrow (Thursday 18 February) for Australian Organ Donation Awareness Week.
“We have joined with local football clubs to promote the importance of becoming an organ donor as an early event for the Awareness Week from 21 February,” Ms Contor said.
“Although Australia is a leader in successful transplant operations, there are still around 1700 people on the waiting list at any one time.
“In 2009, 247 donors gave 799 Australians another chance at life however, less than half of the demand for organs was able to be met.
“This local event is aimed to encourage the community to come down, mingle with local league players, ask questions and hopefully sign on as an organ donor to one day assist other Australians in need.”
One organ and tissue donor can potentially save the lives of up to 10 Australians and significantly improve the lives of many more.
“While it is a personal decision to be made among your family, most people become organ donors to simply save lives or improve someone else’s life,” Ms Contor said.
“It’s also a little known fact that in Australia we have an opt in system which means if you have registered no on the Australian Organ Donation Register donation will not go ahead. If you have stated yes or not registered at all, your family will be required to give consent.
“I have dealt with organ donors and their families as both a critical care nurse and now as a clinical nurse consultant and have seen first hand the gift of life given by and received by Mackay residents.
“Without these donations many people would not receive a second chance at life. We are encouraging the Mackay community to join us at Shark Park in Milton Street from 5.30pm Thursday 18 February to sign on as a donor and save lives.”
Ms Contor will also be available at the Mackay Medicare office in Caneland Central on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 February for anyone wanting to sign on or ask questions.
You can also become an organ donor by calling 1800 777 203, fill out an organ donation form from any Medicare office or go to http://www.donorregister.gov.au.
For more information about donation go to www.donatelife.gov.au.
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