For those people who must mark time while a beloved friend or family member waits for an organ donor, there is absolutely no trace of doubt whether filling out an organ donor form is a worthy use of time. None whatsoever. But, for many people, taking the time to sign up seems to be more of a matter of convenience than of a principled refusal to donate. A recent trial in which Salmon Arm was one of four communities participating makes this clear.
From Sept. 22 to Dec. 19, 2014, citizens visiting a Service BC centre in Dawson Creek, Quesnel, Port Alberni and Salmon Arm were provided the opportunity to register their decision about becoming an organ donor. During that time, BC Transplant received 360 registrations at these four Service BC offices. That’s four times more than during the same time last year.
Statistics show that more than 95 per cent of British Columbians support organ donation. However, only 19 per cent have registered.
With nearly 500 B.C. citizens on the transplant waiting list, it is good news that BC Transplant and the provincial government have decided to expand the program.
Now it’s up to the rest of us to turn our support into something tangible. Something that could be life-saving.