The number of Tasmanian organ donors has nearly tripled in the past 10 years, a new report shows.
In 2009, five organ donors provided lifesaving opportunities for 25 transplant recipients, and in 2018, this increased to 14 Tasmanian organ and tissue donors, who saved the lives of 40 recipients. This translates to a rate of 26.5 donors per million population for Tasmania last year, which is above the national average.
We know Tasmanians are very generous by nature and are supportive of organ and tissue donation. The latest statistics are testament to that, and we are grateful for the incredible gift they give in saving the lives of so many people waiting for a transplant.
The national report, released today by Federal Health Minister Ken Wyatt, shows a record 1544 Australians' lives were saved by an organ transplant in 2018, through 554 deceased organ donors and their families who agreed to donate.
While this is great news, all Tasmanians are being encouraged to consider registering on the Australian Donor Register by visiting www.donatelife.gov.au. It takes less than a minute and it can be done using any mobile device, tablet or computer.
Once you’ve registered to be a donor, you should tell your family and friends of your decision.
With around 1400 Australians waitlisted at any one time for a transplant, registering to become an organ donor is the ultimate gift to those in need.
