Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week
Health Minister Victor Boudreau is encouraging New Brunswickers to observe National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week this week, April 18th to the 25th.
“This important week gives us the opportunity to show our support to those waiting for a tissue or organ donation,ˮ said Boudreau. “At the same time, this week serves as a reminder to communicate to your family your wishes to be a donor and to indicate your intention on your Medicare renewal form.ˮ
In Canada, about 4500 people are waiting for an organ transplant. In New Brunswick, there are about 126 people on the waiting list for an organ (kidney, liver and heart) and another 125 waiting for corneal transplants.
Nearly 320,000 New Brunswickers have made the choice to become a donor. Those wishing to become donors need to indicate their desire by checking the appropriate box on their Medicare Change Request, Replacement and/ or Renewal form, available online or by calling 1-888-762-8600.
An organ donor can save the lives of up to eight people, and a tissue donor can improve the lives of up to 75 people.
More information about the New Brunswick Organ Donation Program is available online.
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