News

April is Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Month, and we're inviting Manitobans to STEP up and make an impact by registering to become an organ donor.

S: sign up to become an organ donor. One person can save up to 8 lives and improve the lives of 75 people.

T: tell your loved ones about your decision. Even if you are registered, it is up to your family to make the final decision to donate your organs. To save your family from making a difficult decision, make your wishes known so that they can confidently speak on your behalf.

E: encourage others to do the same. Even though 90% of Canadians support organ donation, only 32% are registered. The more people who register, the higher chance people have to receive life-saving organs.

P: push the envelope! Talk to your employers about the benefits of supporting living organ donation. By joining the Circle of Excellence, they can show their dedication to their employees.

Right now, we don't have enough donors to meet the need for transplants. We understand becoming an organ donor is a personal choice and requires some thought. Find more information at signupforlife.ca.

FAQs

How old is too old for an organ donor?
Any one at any age can donate. In fact, Canada’s oldest organ donor was 92, and oldest tissue donor was 104. From infant (with parental consent) to 100+. Viable organs are viable organs or tissues regardless of your age. If you don’t need them anymore and you’re a registered organ donor and your organs have been evaluated and deemed healthy for donation, they can be donated.

What if I can’t donate my organs when I die?
Most registered organ donors do not actually become organ donors at the end of their lives. Organs can only be donated in the highly unlikely circumstance that you experience a sudden or traumatic event – such as a serious accident – that puts you in a hospital intensive care unit on a ventilator where a doctor determines recovery is no longer possible. Because the chances of dying the way required for organ donation is so low, the only way to increase the odds of having organs available for donation are to have as many people as possible registered to be organ and tissue donors. Simply registering as an organ donor helps increase hope and possibility.

If I'm a registered donor, will doctors still try to save my life?
Yes. When you are admitted to any hospital, priority one is always to save your life. Organ and tissue donation is only considered after all efforts to save your life have failed and it is certain that you will not survive.

Does my religion allow me to be an organ or tissue donor?
Most religions support organ and tissue donation as an act of life saving. If you are unsure, talk to your spiritual advisor. It’s important that you feel aligned with your decision, whatever it may be.