August is organ donor awareness month. Here are some facts about organ donation so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to become a life-saving donor.
- What is organ donation?
Organ donation is a medical procedure where one person donates an organ or tissue to someone who needs a transplant.
- Who can be an organ/tissue donor?
If you are under the age of 70, in good health, and clear of any predefined chronic diseases that might cause further health complications for the recipient(s), you can become an organ donor.
- Why should I consider becoming an organ donor?
As an organ donor, you can save the life of someone who is suffering from a life-threatening disease or has been in a serious accident. Did you know one organ donor has the potential to save up to 7 lives and further change over 50 lives?
People who are on the organ waiting list are typically very sick or dying because one or more of their organs are failing. Receiving an organ will help save their lives.
If you want to find out more about organ donation, visit the frequently asked questions (FAQs) section on the Organ Donation Foundation website or contact the toll-free line at 0800 22 66 11.
Call the NMG SmartAssist Programme to chat to a counsellor to help guide you through the process of sharing your decision of becoming an organ donor with your family or adding it to your will.