Give the gift of life
Wed, September 07, 2016
Are you willing to give the gift of life? That's the question Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is asking during Organ Donation Week. Running from September 5th, the week aims to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation.
15 people in Northern Ireland die each year while waiting for an organ transplant, yet only 28% of people living in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough have signed the Organ Donor Register.
Mayor, Alderman Maura Hickey said, "By showing your willingness to become an organ donor you could give the gift of life to people in the local community and beyond.
“I am on the organ donor register and I hope during this awareness week that many more people in our Borough will decide to add their name as well.
“It’s a very simple process but one which could have life-saving consequences for individuals and their families across the region and beyond. This week please take the time to sign the register and discuss the issue with your loved ones - we all have a role to play in helping to save a life and there's no better time than now."
Mary McAfee, Organ Donation Specialist Nurse based in the Causeway Hospital, said, “We are urging people in the Causeway Coast and Glens area to have this conversation with your loved ones. The number of people on the Organ Donor Register in this area sits below the Northern Ireland average so we know that more can be done.
“Evidence shows that consent rates increase where families have discussed organ donation wishes. It’s so important that people sign the register, have the conversation and ultimately more people’s lives are saved as a result."
To show your support for the campaign and to sign up to the Organ Donation Register visit www.organdonationni.info.