As we gather together to give thanks during this holiday weekend, the B.C. government is encouraging everyone to take the simple step of registering their decision to be an organ donor.

It takes only a moment to join the 19,692 British Columbians who have answered the call since Service BC and BC Transplant launched their partnership this past April.

Friendly staff at all 62 Service BC centres in communities around the province now provide information on organ donation and help residents register their decision on-site. Anyone with online access can also register at: http://www.transplant.bc.ca/

The process is simple and confidential. Registering may well be the reason a B.C. family is especially thankful this time next year.

Quotes:

Parliamentary Secretary for the BC Jobs Plan Greg Kyllo –

“It’s been my personal experience that no one is more thankful this time of year than someone who has received an organ transplant. The potential gift of life you can give by registering as a donor truly embodies the spirit and heart of Thanksgiving.”

Minister of Health Terry Lake –

“Thanksgiving is the time of year to reflect on the blessings we share with our friends, family and community. I can’t think of a better way to honour what we have been given in B.C. than to take a moment to register as an organ donor, and potentially save a life.”

Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction and Minister Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch Coralee Oakes –

“Through our partnership with BC Transplant and Service BC, we’ve made it easy for anyone to go to a Service BC office and register their decision. This simple gesture can change everything for someone on a waiting list, hoping to celebrate another Thanksgiving with their family.”

In-hospital donation co-ordinator, BC Transplant Trish Bosch – 

“When we speak to families about donation they often aren’t certain about their loved one’s wishes, so making that decision to donate during a time of tragedy, is a very difficult thing to do. At times when we can show the family their loved one’s registration form, they are often relieved – it makes such a difference. Registering your decision is easy to do, and it really is a gift to your family.”

Double lung transplant recipient Darvy Culleton –

“As a kid with cystic fibrosis, I never thought I’d live to be an adult. One person’s decision to donate changed all that, and I am forever grateful. I’m happily married and loving life, and I’m thankful every day.”

Quick Facts:

• More than 95% of British Columbians support organ donation but currently, only 20% have registered their decision to be a donor.
• Close to 500 British Columbians are currently waiting for a life-saving transplant.
• Nearly 400 of the people on the list are waiting for a kidney.
• A decal on your driver’s licence is no longer enough. A potential donor can check their status or register using a BC Services Card or CareCard at: http://www.transplant.bc.ca/
• You can register no matter how old you are. Canada’s oldest organ donor on record was 93 years old.
• There were 19,692 new registrations from April-August 2015, up 15% from the 13,900 registrations received on average during the same five-month period over the last five years.
• Service BC delivers hundreds of services for government programs to residents, businesses and visitors – in person, online and over the phone. There are 62 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