This year for NOTDAW (National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week), we are asking all Canadians to show their support for organ and tissue donation from April 19 – 25. We encourage all Canadians to register their decision to become organ and tissue donors and share their decision with their family.

There are approximately 4,400 Canadians waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. Not everyone in need of a vital organ receives a transplant. In fact, on average, 250 Canadians die each year waiting. Public opinion data shows that 90 per cent of Canadians approve of organ and tissue donation, yet only 23 per cent say they have registered their decision to become an organ and tissue donor. With continued investment, support and collaboration across the country, a world-class organ and tissue donation and transplantation system in Canada is possible.

Spread awareness for organ and tissue donation in your community and join forces with health-care providers, government officials and Canadian Blood Services to work towards a day when no one in Canada dies while waiting for a transplant.