Province Recognizes Organ, Tissue Donation Awareness Week

The Nova Scotia legislature will be basked in a warm, green glow until Saturday, April 28 to celebrate National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week

The week raises the profile of organ and tissue donation and encourages Nova Scotians to consider registering as donors. The green lights, the official colour of organ and tissue donation, serve as a reminder to registered donors to talk about it with their family.

"Nova Scotia has the highest number of registered organ and tissue donors in all of Canada," said Health and Wellness Minister Maureen MacDonald. "I think this speaks to the generosity and giving nature of the people of this province. But the need for organs and tissues remains great; there are 130 Nova Scotians waiting for life saving transplants."

Often the question of organ and tissue donation is raised at a difficult time, when a family is dealing with the sudden loss of a loved one.

"We know that it can be a difficult conversation to have when a loved has just been lost, but it's necessary to ensure that the donation wishes of our loved ones are honored," said Corinne Corning, manager of Legacy of Life: Nova Scotia Organ and Tissue Donation Program. "Deciding to be an organ and tissue donor is a personal decision, but it's also a decision to save a life. It's important for everyone to have the talk with their loved ones and ensure that their wishes are known."

This week, organ and tissue donation awareness will be celebrated across the country. People can register as donors on their health cards. One donor can provide organs such as kidneys, heart, liver and lungs for up to eight people, and tissue, such as skin and corneas, to as many as 40 people.

For more information on organ and tissue donation, and to find out how to register as a donor, visit www.legacyoflife.ns.ca .