The Manitoba Driver, from Manitoba Public Insurance
April 2011
About 330 words
Organ Donation: Something to think about
Families who were committed to seeing the wishes of their loved ones fulfilled led to 33 kidney transplants and five lung transplants being performed in Manitoba last year, according to Jill Barrott, communications co-ordinator with Transplant Manitoba – Gift of Life Program.
All that because people signed their organ donation cards and let their families know.
“The first step to becoming an organ donor is as easy as signing a blue organ donor card,” said Barrott. “It takes about two seconds to sign and it’s a legacy which will live on for years and years.”
With National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week running from April 18 to 24, Barrott said there is no better time to think about becoming an organ donor, take action by signing a blue organ donor card and talk to your family about your decision. In other words: think, sign, tell.
“The family discussion is important because you don’t want your decision to be a surprise during a tragic time,” she said. “Educate your family and explain to them that while it may not be right for everyone, it is right for you.”
Everyone has the potential to be an organ donor, explained Barrott. Generally, organ donors are healthy people who have suffered an injury to the brain resulting in brain death. The health of the donor, not the age, is the most important thing considered.
“You have the potential to save many lives when you sign a donor card,” says Barrott.
The blue organ donation card ― which easily fits in a wallet ― is available at any Manitoba Public Insurance outlet or Autopac agent, or you can download one from the Transplant Manitoba-Gift of Life Program website at transplantmanitoba.ca.
“Donating your organs can change the lives for so many who wait for a second chance at life,” said Barrott. “Please sign a donor card and make organ donation your gift for life.”
For more information, go to the website at transplantmanitoba.ca or phone Barrott at 787-1897.
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© 2008 Manitoba Public Insurance
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