Just A Quick Reminder That It’s Incredibly Easy To Register As An Organ Donor

According to the Australian Government Organ and Tissue Authority, there are approximately 1,400 people on organ transplant waiting lists around the country at any given time. For some of them, a transplant could be the difference between life and death. Which is why this seems like as good a time as any to remind you that it is incredibly quick and easy to become an organ donor.

As of October 31, 2018, more than 6.6 million Australians are registered as organ and tissue donors on the Australian Organ Donor Register. That’s a pretty impressive figure – in fact it’s the highest it’s been since record keeping began. But it’s still not enough, especially given that less than 2 percent of people die in hospitals in circumstances where organ donation is possible.

In Australia, we have an opt in system, which means you need to register if you’d like to donate. You can do that via your MyGov account or by using this online form. It will take you less than five minutes, and will almost certainly be the most important thing you do today.

The other thing you need to do is tell your family about your decision, since even if you’re registered to be a donor, they’ll still need to give their consent before the donation can take place. It mightn’t be the cheeriest subject, but it is very important that you bring it up. Tell your parents. Tell your spouse. Tell your kids. Talking to your pets about it doesn’t count. And hey, why not post about it on Facebook. It’s fine to be that guy when it’s for a good cause.

Also, if you’re not sure whether your religion allows for organ donation, the Organ and Tissue Authority has produced the following factsheet.

For more information and additional resources about organ donation visit www.donatelife.gov.au.