30th March to 6th April 2013 is Organ Donor Awareness Week .
206 transplant operations took place in Ireland in 2012, and that has made a huge difference in the lives of those patients and their families.
Carry the Card
MAG Ireland encourages everyone, riders and non riders alike, to carry an organ donor card, and to make sure your next of kin know your wishes. To obtain a plastic organ donor card, simply freetext ‘DONOR’ to 50050 or ask in your local Pharmacy/medical center.
The Organ Donor ECard allows you to carry a donor card on your Android or Apple smart phone. It’s free to download from the app store for your device. Simply fill in your details, and keep the app symbol on the home page of your phone.
To order a card online, see the Irish Kidney Association web site at: http://www.ika.ie/organ-donor-card
Learner Drivers
Learner drivers applying for a new permit now have the option to get a code put on their license indicating their willingness to be a donor. Question 20 of the drivers license application form and Question 16 of the learner permit application form asks:
Organ Donation: Tick here if you would like a code on your license indicating your wish to become an organ donor.
When you tick the box, the code 115 appears on the bottom left hand corner on the back of the license. The RSA tell us that to date, 35% of new drivers license applicants tick the box. The 115 code makes medical professionals aware of your intentions although your next of kin would always be consulted in the event of such a decision arising.
MAG Ireland is supporting Organ Donor Awareness Week by asking members and non members alike to carry a donor card and to ensure your next of kin know your wishes.