Supporting organ donation is now easier thanks to a new partnership between BC Transplant and the 61 Service BC locations throughout the province.

Beginning April 1, 2015, British Columbians visiting Service BC Locations have been offered the opportunity to register their decision on organ donation.

Currently, more than 95% of British Columbians support organ donations but only 20% have registered their decision to be a donor. This program will make it easier for those who have yet to sign up.

Service BC centres are central offices where British Columbians can access a wide range of government services, such as registering your marriage or the birth of a child, or conducting a title search. Offering visitors information about organ donation, and assisting those interested in confirming their intention by registering online is a valuable service to B.C. residents.

This new partnership, which was initiated last year under the leadership of MLA Greg Kyllo from Shuswap, builds on last year’s successful pilot program held at four Service BC offices (Dawson Creek, Quesnel, Port Alberni and Salmon Arm). The pilot program showed a four-fold increase in the number of registrations than in the same period the previous year. Building on this success, the Province immediately began working with BC Transplant to expand the program to all 61 Service BC locations throughout the province.

With 465 citizens on the transplant waiting list, signing up to become an organ donor could help save lives - possibly the life of a neighbour, co-worker, friend or family member in need. This program will allow British Columbians to step forward, register and potentially change the life of a patient in need.

(flickr.com)

Quotes:

Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services Amrik Virk -

“Organ donation saves lives, and registering your decision with Service BC is a simple, small step anyone can do. Having 61 locations throughout the province makes it easier to access government services and this is one service that can save the lives of British Columbians.”

Health Minister Terry Lake -

“Organ donation is one of the greatest gifts that can be given. Today’s announcement that British Columbians will be able to register at any Service BC location makes signing up even more accessible. In honour of the upcoming National Organ and Tissue Awareness Week, I encourage those that haven’t yet registered to take advantage of this new convenient opportunity.”

BC Transplant provincial executive director Dr. Greg Grant -

”When we approach a family to talk about organ donation it makes such a difference when we can show them a copy of their loved one’s registration form. We were thrilled with the early results of the pilot with Service BC and look forward to the long term impact this partnership will have on donation in B.C.”

Executive director, Kidney Foundation of Canada, B.C. & Yukon branch, Karen Philp -

“Providing increased opportunities for British Columbians to register their wishes for organ donation is very good news for all patients surviving on kidney dialysis. We applaud the government for this decision that will mean so much for many British Columbians.”

Quick Facts:

• 465 British Columbians are currently waiting for a life-saving transplant.
• Just over 350 of the people on the list are waiting for a kidney.
• A single donor can save up to eight lives.
• A decal on your driver’s licence is no longer enough, a potential donor has to register online through BC Transplant Society using a BC Services Card or CareCard at transplant.bc.ca
• You can register no matter how old you are. Canada’s oldest organ donor on record was 93.
• More than 95% of B.C. residents support organ donation, yet only 20% have registered their decision.
• Service BC delivers hundreds of services for government programs to residents, businesses and visitors - in person, online and over the phone. There are 61 Service BC centres located in British Columbia, serving more than 1.34 million people every year.
• BC Transplant, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, provides provincial oversight for all organ donation and transplantation activities in B.C.

Learn More:

BC Transplant: www.transplant.bc.ca

Service BC: www.servicebc.gov.bc.ca

HealthLinkBC - Organ Transplant: www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthtopics/content.asp?hwid=ty7522

Media Contacts:

Trish Fougner
Communications Manager
Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens Services
250 387-0172

Peggy John
Communications Manager
BC Transplant
604 877-2184
604 789-0446