As families and friends gather together this holiday season, the B.C. government is encouraging everyone to take the simple step of registering their decision to become an organ donor, because there is no gift more precious than the gift of life.

It only takes a moment to join the 34,197 British Columbians who have answered the call since Service BC and BC Transplant launched their unique awareness partnership this past April.

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

The process is simple, confidential and registering may well be the reason someone waiting for an organ transplant can celebrate the holidays with their family this time next year.

Quotes:

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

“As I gather with the people I cherish in my life this holiday season, I know that someone will have that same opportunity in the future because I have signalled my intent to become an organ donor. I hope other British Columbians will also consider giving the gift of life to someone who so desperately needs it.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the BC Jobs Plan, Greg Kyllo –

“Registering as an organ donor is one of the best ways to celebrate the season of giving because there truly is no better gift than the gift of life.”

Dr. David Landsberg, medical lead, BC Transplant –

“The impact of organ donation goes far beyond the individual patient who receives a transplant; each recipient’s family, friends and community all benefit from one organ donor’s tremendous gift. BC Transplant would like to encourage every British Columbian to register their decision on organ donation and share their wishes with their loved ones.”

Hopeful liver transplant recipient, Tony Maidment –

“Speaking from experience, I can say that a new liver would absolutely change my life. I encourage all British Columbians to think about how they can give back, after they are no longer living. From death can come the gift of life – and that gift will make you a hero for those chronically ill people, like me, who are waiting for an organ transplant.”

Service BC customer service representative, Megan Hurst –

“The partnership between Service BC and BC Transplant is a fantastic initiative for provincial employees to be involved in. It means so much to help people register their decision concerning organ donation, knowing that decision will have a powerful impact on the lives of other British Columbians. I’m so proud to support it.”

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 550 British Columbians are currently waiting for a life-saving transplant.
• Nearly 450 of the people on the list are waiting for a kidney while 29 are waiting for a liver transplant.
• 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: www.transplant.bc.ca
• You can register no matter how old you are. Canada’s oldest organ donor on record was 93.
• 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:

Tony’s Story: http://ow.ly/WfdVj

Jerry’s Story: http://ow.ly/WfemD

Jillianne’s Story: http://ow.ly/WfdDR

BC Transplant: www.transplant.bc.ca

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

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