MAKE SAVING LIVES YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION

Wednesday, 8 January 2020

Luke Howarth is encouraging families in the Petrie electorate to make a New Year’s resolution that counts this year and register as an organ and tissue donor.

With around 1,500 Australians currently wait listed for a transplant, and a further 11,000 on dialysis Mr Howarth says it’s never been more important and simple to register.

“You only need to set aside one minute, have your Medicare card handy and visit donatelife.gov.au,” Mr Howarth said.

“Make 2020 the year you make a New Year’s resolution that can make a real difference and save a life by registering as an organ and tissue donor.”

Mr Howarth says it’s not just about registering, it’s also very important to talk to your loved ones and family about organ donation.

“The festive season is a time where friends and family get together, which gives people ample opportunity to take five minutes and talk to one another about the decision to become a registered donor.

“Use the time you’re spending with friends and family this holiday to get together and talk about organ donation, and take the step to register as a donor,” Mr Howarth said.

“If you’ve decided to be an organ and tissue donor when the time comes, your family needs to know – it’s as simple as that.”

A main reason that families decline donation is because they simply don’t know what their loved one wanted when they die. Families usually agree to donation if you are registered and if they know what you want.

“You are never too old to register and having a few drinks and or eating unhealthy won’t stop you from being a donor,” Mr Howarth said.

“Even if you can’t become an organ donor many people go on to become eye, skin and tissue donors.

“A cornea transplant can restore sight, a skin graft will heal a sever burn, and tissue can help repair genetic defects. Imagine what that could do to someone in need.”

Through organ donation, transplant recipients are given a second chance at life – having an active role within their family, returning to work and planning for a future.

In the last decade more than 11,000 Australians have received an organ transplant thanks to 4,000 donors and their families.

To register as an organ and tissue donor, and to find out more go to donatelife.gov.au.