Media release

AMA strongly supports DonateLife Week

Published 31 July 2016

The AMA strongly supports DonateLife Week, and isencouraging all Australians to strongly consider becoming an organ and tissue donor.

DonateLife Week 2016, which runs from 31 July-7 August, is dedicated to promoting organ and tissue donation.

This year’s theme is What are you waiting for?, with a focus on encouraging all Australians to join the Australian Organ Donor Register.

AMA President, Dr Michael Gannon, said today that all Australians are strongly encouraged to both register, and to make their family aware of their decision.

“Australians should have informed discussions about organ donation with their families,” Dr Gannon said.

“There are currently 1,500 people on organ transplant waiting lists at any one time. A single organ and tissue donor can directly save or improve the lives of 10 or more people.

“Registering is an important first step, but people need to discuss their decision with their family, as their next of kin willhave the final say.

“Organ donation is a discussion that families need to have.”

The latest figures show:

• 91 per cent of families agreed to proceed with organ donation when their loved one was registered as an organ donor;
• 75 per cent of families agreed to organ donation when they knew their loved one’s decision, but;
• only 52 per cent of families agreed to organ donation when their loved one had not registered or discussed their donor wishes.

To register to become an organ and tissue donor:

• visit the Australian Organ Donor Register website to register online;
• call 1800 777 203; 
• or fill out a form at any Medicare office.

31 July 2016

CONTACT:​Kirsty Waterford​​02 6270 5464 / 0427 209 753

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