Message from the Minister of HealthNational Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week (April 22-28, 2018)

It is a tragedy that every year, hundreds of Canadians die while waiting for an organ transplant. With approximately 4,500 people in Canada waiting for a transplant right now and only a fraction of Canadians registered as donors, there is a critical need.

The good news is that organ donation is simple, easy and makes a big difference – a single donor can save up to eight lives and have a meaningful impact on 75 more. This National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week, I want to remind Canadians of the importance of organ and tissue donation.

It only takes a few minutes to register to become a donor and to change someone’s life. Anyone can be a potential donor, regardless of age, medical condition or sexual orientation. You can also be a living donor by giving a kidney, part of the liver or part of a lung.

It’s important that you to talk to friends and family about organ and tissue donation; make sure they know your wishes and you know theirs. You can visit the Government of Canada’s Organ and Tissue Donation web page to learn more about just how easy donation is.

You have the power to save a life – please consider becoming an organ donor.

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Health