Be an Organ Donor
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Be an Organ Donor

  • A photo of a patienthand and a gloved hand doing a heart
    Organ donation saves lives and restores health.

    For many people living with kidney disease, a transplant offers the best chance at a healthier life. Organ donation saves lives and restores health. A kidney transplant is not a cure, but it offers the best possible improvement to health and quality of life for many people living with kidney failure.

Since transplant surgery began over 60 years ago, tens of thousands of Canadians have made the choice to donate their organs and tissues upon their death. The lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas and bowel can be donated. Tissues may include eye tissue, heart valves, bone, tendons, veins and ligaments. More than two dozen people can be helped by a single donor.

There are two types of organ donation: deceased donation and living donation. Choosing to become an organ donor is a very personal decision. At the same time, it’s important that you discuss your wishes with your family. 

The need for organs for transplantation is much greater than the available supply. In 2024, 71% of Canadians on a waiting list for a transplant were waiting for a kidney. Wait times can range from a few months to several years.

  • Register to be an Organ Donor
    Organ transplant programs have an allocation (or matching) system so that the distribution of organs that become available is based on fair criteria. These may include suitable match, the amount of time already spent on the waiting list, and other factors.
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  • Consider Being a Living Kidney Donor
    Individuals normally have two kidneys, although a person can live a healthy life with only one. Living donation occurs when a person freely decides to donate one of their kidneys to someone in need of a transplant.
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  • Living Donor Circle of Excellence
    Demonstrate your appreciation for the tremendous sacrifice and societal contribution of living donors.
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  • Organ Donor Programs
    A good living donor candidate is someone who is healthy, well-informed and makes a voluntary decision to donate one of their kidneys. Take the time to learn more about organ and tissue donation and the programs available in your region.
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  • Living with One Kidney
    Individuals frequently express concern as to the future effects of not having two kidneys. The long-term outlook is in fact excellent.
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  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
    Read through frequently asked questions about organ donation.
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