Help celebrate organ and tissue donation awareness

MONCTON – The NB Organ and Tissue Program is inviting residents to wear green and join them at flag-raising ceremonies that are planned in the cities of Moncton and Fredericton, to mark Green Shirt Day and National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week (NOTDAW).

Ceremonies on Thursday, April 7 will be held in the following locations:

• Moncton — 10 a.m. at City Hall
• Fredericton – 10 a.m. at City Hall

Green Shirt Day is celebrated on April 7 in honour of the Logan Boulet Effect and in support of organ and tissue donation awareness and registration across Canada. National Organ and Tissue Awareness Week is being celebrated across Canada from April 24 to 30.

Approximately 4,100 Canadians are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. Sadly, on average over 250 Canadians die each year waiting for a transplant. This year, there are approximately 100 New Brunswickers on the wait list. A single organ donor can save as many as eight lives, a tissue donor may improve the quality of life for up to 75 people, and an ocular donor can restore sight for two people.

During this awareness month, New Brunswickers are encouraged to make or renew their commitment to organ and tissue donation by indicating their intent to donate on their Provincial Medicare Card (by calling Service New Brunswick at 1-888-762-8600), and discuss their decision with their family members and loved ones.

The NB Organ and Tissue Program is operated by Horizon Health Network and coordinates and supports organ, eye (e.g. corneas) and tissue (e.g. bones and tendons) donation across New Brunswick. More information can be found on Horizon’s website.

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