Why is organ donation so important?
Simply put, it saves lives. According to the Australian Government there are around 1,700 Australians on the waiting list for a transplant. Another 12,000 are on dialysis and would likely benefit from a kidney transplant. Last year (2019), more than 12,000 Australians received, and benefited from an eye or tissue donation.
Most Australians say they are willing to donate, but only a third are registered. Just the combined actions of signing up on the register, and telling your family what your wishes are greatly increases the chances of consent for use of your organs or tissue after your death.
It’s also important to note that the old system of registering via your driver’s licence no longer exists – you need to be registered on the Donor Registry.