This week is National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week, as Alberta Health Services has revealed a new name for its provincial donation program, Give Life Alberta.
“The new name is a call to action for Albertans to register their intent to donate online and to tell loved ones about their decision. Albertans can also continue to register to donate at motor vehicle registry offices. Signing the back of your Alberta Health card is still accepted, although not preferred over online registration and families must be informed in case the card is lost,” says AHS.
One organ donor can save up to eight lives and a tissue donor can save or dramatically improve lives for up to 75 people. While Alberta marked another record year with 273 organ and tissue donors in 2023, there are almost 300 people waiting for life-saving transplants in Alberta. Last year, nearly 50 people on the wait list died.
AHS donor coordinators are approaching more families than ever since Alberta’s Bill 205 took effect one year ago. The bill creates a more structured pathway for the organ and tissue donation process and ensures specialists have adequate time to identify and assess potential donors and discuss the option with families.
To learn more about organ and tissue donation or to register your decision to donate visit givelifealberta.ca.