Nearly 1,800 Australians waited for a transplant in 2007 while only 198 people donated their organs. Australia has one of the lowest rates of Organ Donation in the developed world. For every million Australians, less than 10 people have their organs donated, and the number of organ donations is slipping. Read more about Organ Donation in Australia.
As we have an 'Opt-in' system of consent in Australia, you need to register your consent with Medicare to make your commitment official.
The Federal Government's Transplant Reform Package provides much needed funds and resources to this important cause.
Organ Donation demand will only rise as our population ages and is afflicted with more instances of chronic illness. It is crucial that we are able to meet this demand.
Despite over 90% of Australian's supporting Organ Donation, families refuse consent almost half the time Organ Donation is possible, mostly because they aren't confident of their family members consent.
It is important that we raise the profile of this important issue and lead a National Debate on ways to best improve and encourage Organ Donation. Sign our petition urging a National Debate.
How can you help?
1. Sign our petition to State and Federal Health Ministers urging them to take action to improve the rate of Organ Donation in Australia.
'Dear Australian Health Ministers,
Nearly all Australians support Organ Donation. Australian surgeons perform highly successful donation operations and ensure that each donor helps as many people as possible. Yet the number of donors is declining and 20 per cent of those waiting for a heart, liver or lung will pass away before a suitable donor is found.
We congratulate the Federal Government on the Transplant Reform Package and urge the Federal Minister for Health to lead a national debate raising the profile of Organ Donation and reform options.'
2. Register your consent as an Organ Donor with Medicare. This is the most important decision you can make. You can register online now. Its quick and easy – and you will help save lives. There are 280,000 people in NSW on the Medicare Donor Register - help us make that number 500,000.
3. Talk to your family about your desire to be an organ donor. Families are comforted by knowing the decisions that their loved ones have made and you can be confident your wishes will be fulfilled.
4. Encourage your family to also become donors. You can send them a quick email at the bottom of this page.
5. Write a Letter to the Editor about the importance of Organ Donations.
Sign the Petition now by 'Joining the Campaign.'
Letter to the Editor