National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week - April 21-27, 2013

Organ donation is the gift of life which can transform the health of thousands of Canadians who are waiting for a transplant. That is why every April we underscore our support for those who are waiting for donations by marking National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week. We also take this time to thank the many people and their families who have already contributed by generously offering to donate organs and tissue.

In Canada, more than 4,500 people are waiting for hearts, livers, kidneys and other vital organs. The reality is that the number of people who register to become organ donors does not meet the need. As a result, many people die before a matching donor is found.

As Minister of Health, I invite all Canadians to take a moment to consider becoming a donor.

Each donor has the potential to save up to eight lives and, through tissue donation, to enhance the lives of up to 75 others.

This year, I would like to acknowledge and thank Hélène Campbell of Ottawa, who received a double-lung transplant. Hélène captured the hearts of Canadians through her tireless efforts to raise awareness about organ donation. She became a beacon of light for organ donation campaigns and inspired people everywhere to give the gift of life.

Our government is pleased to support organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Since 2008, we've provided $21 million to Canadian Blood Services to improve the organ and tissue system in Canada. To improve the health of transplant patients, our government has also made significant investments in transplant research through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. In 2011-2012, over $11 million was set aside to develop a national transplant research program. This work will transform the field of transplantation in Canada by increasing organ donation and improving the survival and quality of life of Canadians who receive organ transplants.

What we also need is your support. During this week, I ask that you take a moment and register to be a donor and give the gift of life.