Department of Health
Territorians are being urged to help save the lives of others by becoming organ and tissue donors.
The call comes on the first day of DonateLife Week 2020.
DonateLife NT's Program and Policy Director, Lee Wood, said the week aimed to encourage more Australians to register as donors to give someone else a second chance at life.
"Registering literally takes just one minute and in that brief time you can make the ultimate difference to the life of another person," Ms Wood said.
"If you are already registered, you can do more by talking to your family and friends and telling them to do what you have done and to register too."
Ms Wood said while the majority of Australians supported organ donation, not enough people were actually registered.
"So many Territorians say they are willing to donate their organs and tissues but 87 per cent have yet to register on-line with the Australian Organ Donor Register.
"All it takes to become a donor is a single, simple step."
Last year four NT donors saved, or improved, the lives of 10 recipients, giving them a second chance at life.
"We acknowledge and thank those Australians and their families who have said 'yes' to organ donation.
"Thousands of Australians are living their lives to the fullest because of the generosity of organ and tissue donors and their families," Ms Wood said.
About 1,700 Australians are currently wait-listed for an organ transplant with another 11,000 people around the country currently requiring dialysis.
"Now is the time to have that conversation with your family to ensure they are aware of your wishes and then following through by registering on-line.
"Make your decision count, it is quick and easy. All you need is your Medicare card and internet access to register your donation wishes."
To register visit www.donatelife.gov.au
The week is being officially launched with a stall at the Nightcliff markets.
