90 per cent of Canadians say they support organ donation, yet only 23 per cent have registered their decision.
You can become and organ and tissue donor and make a difference in someone's life.
Canadian Blood Services will direct you to the Organ Donor Registration Network for your province. CBS works with the donation and transplantation community to improve the system for all Canadians.
Quick Facts
- Approximately 4,400 Canadians await a lifesaving organ transplant.
- Each year, more than 250 Canadians die waiting.
- One organ donor can save 8 lives and provide tissue for up to 75 patients.
- According to public opinion polls, more than 90 percent of Canadians support organ and tissue donation but only 23 percent have registered their decision.
- You are six times more likely to need a transplant than to become an organ donor.
- Age doesn’t matter: Canada’s oldest organ donor was over 90.
- Donation will only be considered after every effort has been made to save your life.
- It takes 2 minutes to register your decision on organ donation
Did You Know...
Age restriction
Anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, medical condition or sexual orientation. Even individuals with serious illnesses may sometimes be donors. All potential donors are evaluated on an individual, medical, case-by-case basis. The oldest Canadian organ donor was 92 and the oldest tissue donor was 104. Don’t rule yourself out.
Living Donation
Living donation may be possible following a thorough assessment process. Living donation options include donation of a kidney, part of the liver or part of a lung.
Tissue donation
Tissue donation is possible for nearly everyone, even when organ donation is not possible.
Religion
Most religions support organ and tissue donation as an act of life saving. If you are unsure, talk to your spiritual advisor.