Discuss your wishes this DonateLife week

ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Health, Katy Gallagher, has urged Canberrans to use the second annual DonateLife Week to discuss their organ and tissue donation wishes with their loved ones.

"DonateLife Week runs from this Sunday the 19th of February and provides an opportunity to discuss your own wishes and ask family members what they'd like you to do if faced with a decision about whether to donate their organs or tissue," the Chief Minister said.

The Week aims to promote discussion around organ and tissue donation and highlight that increased family consent rates will result in more Australians receiving organ and tissue transplants.

"In Australia, family members will always be asked to confirm the wishes of the deceased before donation or transplantation can proceed. Families that have discussed and know each other's wishes are more likely to uphold those wishes," the Chief Minister said.

"Some Australians still find it difficult to bring up the subject of organ and tissue donation with family members. Deciding to have the discussion during DonateLife Week can help normalise the subject.

"It's a conversation that could not only one day save lives, but also help you be prepared should you ever be asked to confirm a loved one's donation wishes. It will also help your family be prepared should they ever be asked to confirm your wishes.

"I'd also like to take this opportunity to again thank those generous Canberrans and their families who as organ and tissue donors gave life and healing to more than 76 people last year," the Chief Minister said.

At the national launch of DonateLife Week 2012 last week, her Excellency the Governor-General, Quentin Bryce AC CVO, formally gifted the DonateLife Book of Life to the National Library of Australia's collection. The book is a collection of life-saving and life-changing stories from people touched by organ and tissue donation and includes the stories of several Canberra families.

DonateLife ACT has organised many events to talk about organ and tissue donation through community stalls, in hospitals and at functions.

To discover more about organ and tissue donation and suggestions on how to discuss your wishes with your family, visit http://www.donatelife.gov.au/

Note: The Chief Minister will join with Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Ms Catherine King at the 2012 DonateLife Walk from Regatta Point on Wednesday 22 February at 6.45am.