THE government is asking Canberrans to leave a light on from 6pm on Thursday to mark the fourth annual National Donor Heroes’ Night in support of organ and tissue donation.
Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said by lighting a candle or turning on a porch light, the event enabled families of donors, donor recipients and the community to thank, honour and commemorate those who have donated their organs and tissue.
“Last year in the ACT, 10 families gave the most generous gift – helping to save and improve the lives of 29 individuals.,” she said.
“Tonight is also an opportunity to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation. We know many people in Canberra support organ donation but have not had the conversation with family and friends about their wishes or officially registered on the Australian Organ Donor Register.”
The ACT is the first jurisdiction in Australia in which families have the option to acknowledge a loved one’s donation in the death register and on the donor’s death certificate.
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Thank you,
Ian Meikle, editor