Canberrans can join the Great Registration Race this DonateLife Week (24-31 July) and register to be organ and tissue donors.

DonateLife Week is also the ideal time for Canberrans to have a chat about organ donation with their families.

Most Australians believe it’s important to be an organ and tissue donor, but only one in three are registered, said Dr Sean Chan, DonateLife ACT’s state medical director.

Rachel Stephen-Smith, ACT Minister for Health, agreed that although the organ donation conversation isn’t easy, it is vitally important.

“Organ and tissue donation can save and transform the lives of people who are seriously ill or dying.

“If you are willing to be an organ donor, make sure you’re registered and have that conversation. Explain that you have made the decision to become a donor, and make your wishes clear.

“The COVID-19 pandemic impacted organ and tissue donation and transplantation across Australia and globally.

“Despite these challenges, Australians have continued to support donation in record numbers.”

Donor registrations increased 112% in 2021 compared to 2020, with 9,877 new registrations.

The highest ever number of new registrations on the Australian Organ Donor Register occurred in 2021, with around 350,000 new registrations nationally – an increase of 87 per cent on 2020.

“We’re hoping for a similar increase in numbers in 2022,” Dr Chan said.

To acknowledge DonateLife Week, several iconic Canberra monuments are lit up in magenta tones. The National Carillon, Old Parliament House, John Gorton Building, Telstra Tower, light rail stops, the Canberra Times Fountain, Malcolm Fraser Bridge, National Museum of Australia, the ANU Shine Dome, and the Royal Australian Mint will all be lit up at various times during the week.

“By registering online – which takes just one minute – Canberrans could transform the life of someone in our community,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.

To register as an organ donor, visit donatelife.gov.au.

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