Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week was officially launched in the province today by Health and Social Services Minister Mildred Dover.
Minister Dover advised that the shortage of organs and tissues for transplantation has been a long standing issue of concern in PEI and across Canada. "For example, we currently have waiting lists that include over 240 Atlantic Canadians awaiting life-saving organ transplants and life-enhancing tissue donations," she said, "On this list, there are 12 Islanders awaiting kidney transplants, one awaiting a liver transplant, and five waiting for corneal transplants."
Last year, seven Islanders received a second chance through donations of corneas, kidneys, hearts and lungs.
Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week is being celebrated April 19-25 to encourage people to consider giving the greatest gift they can give, the gift of life. It is coordinated by the PEI Coalition On Organ and Tissue Donation.
As part of the week's activities, the Coalition has launched a new educational video which speaks to the tremendous need for organ and tissue donation in PEI and across Canada. The video was produced by the Coalition, in cooperation with the Department of Health and Social Services. Coalition members are available to offer presentations to increase Islanders awareness of the need for organ and tissue donation.
Coalition Chair Heather Perry indicates there is a chronic problem of undersupply of organ and tissue donors, and the demand for transplantation will continue to grow. "It is generally recognized that quality of life is vastly improved for transplant recipients," she said "and successful kidney transplantation is substantially more cost effective than its alternative."
While the cost per kidney is estimated at $20,000, plus $6,000 per year thereafter (or $50,000 over a five-year period), the cost of maintaining an individual on dialysis is estimated to be $50,000 per year ($250,000 per five-year period).
This week Islanders are asked to show their support for organ and tissue donation by indicating their wishes to be a donor on their driver's licence and personal health card. Donors are reminded to discuss their wishes with their family and carry their cards with them at all times.
Green ribbons are available to symbolize the week and create a broadly recognized symbol of support for organ and tissue donation.
The PEI Coalition On Organ and Tissue Donation includes representatives from The Kidney Foundation, CNIB, Western Hospital, The Mutual Group, The Department of Health and Social Services, Community Hospital, the QEH, and the Medical Society of PEI.
For information on how to become a donor, please contact the Department of Health and Social Services at 368 6507.