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Jul
13
2017
The Federal Government has unveiled a new online organ donor registration process. You can now register to become a donor using a mobile phone, tablet or computer.
Aged Care Minister and Indigenous health Minister Ken Wyatt also announced a new partnership with the Australian Football League (AFL) to help lift the national organ donor rates.
“We’re proud to have the AFL on the organ donation team,” said Minister Wyatt. “Having all 18 clubs and the AFL Women’s League going hard for the goal of more organ donors promises to be a winner for everyone.
“Last year, a record 1,713 Australians received a transplant thanks to the generosity of 503 deceased and 267 living organ donors and their families.
“But we are encouraging more Australians to sign up given we can and must do better, with around 1,400 Australians waiting for a lifesaving transplant right now.”
Minister Wyatt said that through the partnership, the AFL and AFLW would directly contribute to the online donor registration campaign by driving consistent and frequent messages across multiple channels and platforms.
“This will include digital, at-match and social media promotions spearheaded by ambassadors across all clubs,” he said.
“With signing up now so quick and easy and Aussie Rules heroes promoting the DonateLife message, we hope thousands more people will jump online and register to save lives.”
New research commissioned by the Organ and Tissue Authority highlights the gap between the number of Australians willing to become an organ and tissue donor (67 per cent) and the number of registered donors (33 per cent).
While 90 per cent of Australians believe it is important that their family knows their donation decision, just 56 per cent have made a decision about becoming a donor and only 51 per cent have discussed the subject with loved ones.
“Joining the Australian Organ Donor Register is crucial because it leaves your family in no doubt as to your wishes,” Minister Wyatt said.
“This is highlighted by the fact that nine out of 10 families agree to donation when the deceased is a registered donor.”
Young adults aged 18-24 years are the demographic most willing to receive a life-saving transplant if needed (75 per cent) however only eight per cent of this age group have joined the Australian Organ Donor Register.
“To fill out the registration form, visit www.donatelife.gov.au and follow the simple prompts, then please share the decision with your loved ones,” said Minister Wyatt.
Credentialled Diabetes Educator at Tweed Heads