Broaching the subject of organ donation

ORGAN donation is still a relatively sensitive and taboo subject. Few of us want to think of our own death let alone those of our loved ones; even more so the consideration of donating organs.

According to the Organ Donation Fund (ODF), KwaZulu-Natal has the lowest donor registration rate in the country. Last year only 10 per cent of people in the province were registered.

With the start of Organ Donor Awareness Month, the Northglen News caught up with the ODF to learn more about the sensitive subject.

Gillian Walker, the national liaison officer, said that religion and lack of education were the biggest hindrance with regards to registration.

“Our biggest problem is not getting people to register, but getting the information to the people. In some instances, culture and religion have marked the notion taboo, often making it a sensitive and difficult subject. Many people also don’t know how to register,” she explained.

This is where volunteers such as Gail Deacon come in.

The Glenashley resident hopes to educate the public on the life saving decision. One donor has the potential to save the lives of seven recipients.

“I know of several people who have been given a second chance due to organ donations.
“While they are grateful for the donation they realise that it has come at a heavy price and that another family has lost a loved one,” she said.

Deacon became a volunteer after a family friend fell ill and was placed on the transplant list.

Registration can be done in a few minutes. Just visit the ODF website www.odf.org.za or call the toll free number 0800 22 66 11.

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