AUGUST is Organ Donor Month and the Say Yes campaign has been launched to encourage the public to sign up as organ donors and appeals to all medical professionals to say yes to organ referrals.
The Organ Donor Foundation encourages the public to register as organ donors but specifically to discuss the decision with their family.
“In South Africa, we have a system of required consent, this means the family will be asked to give consent for their loved one at the time of death. Therefore the campaign – please “Say Yes” to organ donation! Have the discussion with your family today to ensure that your decision to be a donor is made known and they can then say yes to the medical professionals at the time of your death,” said Samantha Volschenk, executive director of the Organ Donor Foundation.
The enormous task of public awareness and education in South Africa is of crucial importance because the number of 4,300 children and adults awaiting lifesaving organ transplants escalates every month.
“We can anticipate that in the not so distant future these numbers might become pandemic. This is exacerbated by the poor lifestyle choices of many South Africans, which results in an increase in diabetes and hypertension, which can lead to chronic kidney disease and ultimately kidney failure. The Organ Donor Foundation is passionate in its drive to help these unfortunate individuals and their families, to stand a better chance to receive a life-saving transplant,” she said.
It costs nothing to register as an organ donor and is an extremely simple procedure. Visit the Organ Donor Foundation website at www.odf.org.za or
call toll free: 0800 22 66 11 to register.
