In the lead up to the 2017 DonateLife Week, Macarthur region residents are being encouraged to sign up as organ donors through the new online registration process at www.donatelife.gov.au.
“A minute or two of your time could save lives and make a lifetime of difference for up to 10 people needing organ or tissue donation,” says the Federal Member for Hume, Angus Taylor, whose electorate includes big parts of the Macarthur region.
“Now, almost instantly, you can register to become a donor on a mobile phone, tablet or computer,” he said.
Across the nation last year, 503 deceased and 267 living donors contributed to a record 1,713 people receiving donated organs.
Research shows that more than two-thirds of Australians are willing to become organ and tissue donors.
“But only one-third have taken the step of joining the Australian Organ Donor Register,” Mr Taylor said.
“With around 1,400 Australians currently waiting for a transplant, I’m asking everyone in Hume to join the register as soon as possible.
“Jump online, type in the words ‘donatelife’ and ‘register’, and sign up using the simple, five-line form.”
Mr Taylor said it was important those considering to sign up as donors discussed their decision with loved ones.
Along with the new online registration form at www.donatelife.gov.au, Australians can still join the Australian Organ Donor Register online via the myGov, Medicare Express Plus and Department of Human Services websites, and by submitting printed forms.
DonateLife Week (30 July – 6 August) is Australia’s national awareness week to promote organ and tissue donation and is led by the Organ and Tissue Authority.
