Today marks the first day of a week-long community awareness campaign urging all Tasmanians to register as an organ and tissue donor with the Australian Organ Donor Register.
DonateLife Week runs from today, July 29, to Sunday, August 5.
The process of joining the Australian Donor Register is now faster and easier than ever. You can use any mobile device, tablet or computer to visit donatelife.gov.au, where you can register in less than a minute.
Once you’ve registered to be a donor, you need to tell your family and friends of your decision. Statistics show 90 per cent of families agree to donation proceeding when their loved one is a registered donor.
We know Tasmanians are very generous by nature and are supportive of organ and tissue donation. This is evident in the comparatively high rate of 49 per cent of Tasmanians already registered on the Australian Organ Donor Register, which is the second highest in the country.
While this is a fantastic show of support, all Tasmanians are being encouraged to consider registering during DonateLife Week.
Registering to donate leaves your family in no doubt about your decision, which can save lives.
About 1400 Australians are currently waitlisted for a transplant, and a further 11,000 people are receiving dialysis.
To register as a donor, or for more information, visit donatelife.gov.au.