29th March to 5th April 2014 is Organ Donor Awareness Week.
2013 was a record year for organ transplants in Ireland with 294 organs transplanted which included 11 double transplant operations.
That has made a huge difference in the lives of those patients and their families.
The focus of Organ Donor Awareness Week, which is organised by the Irish Kidney Association and supported by the Irish Donor Network, is to raise awareness about the ongoing and ever increasing demand for transplantation, which relies entirely on the public for organ donation.
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/card
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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 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 & ensure your next of kin know your wishes. For more information see the Irish Kidney Association web site at: http://www.ika.ie