Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has today launched Organ Donor Awareness Week 2024.
Speaking at the launch the Minister Donnelly said:
“I want to thank all of those involved: the transplant centres, organ donation nurse managers, ICU staff, Organ Donation and Transplant Ireland and all of those who have worked to raise awareness. The 265 transplants which took place in 2023 were made possible through your dedication, compassion, and excellence.”
Minister Donnelly reaffirmed his commitment to further developing the organ donation and transplant system in Ireland. He noted the significant legislative progress made with the enactment of the Human Tissue (Transplantation, Post Mortem, Anatomical Examination and Public Display) Act 2024 in February this year.
Minister Donnelly said:
“The Act will introduce “deemed consent”, presumed consent for competent adults with the option for people to opt-out if they would prefer not to donate. The Act will also expand pathways for living and altruistic organ donations. This will all help increase the donor pool in Ireland, while always fully respecting the wishes of people and their families.”
The importance of sharing your organ donation wishes with your loved ones remains very important. Speaking to this year’s theme for Organ Donation Awareness Week, Don’t Leave Your Loved Ones in Doubt, Minister Donnelly said:
“Families will always be consulted before donation takes place. By sharing our wishes regarding organ donation with our loved ones, we ensure that our choices are honoured and respected, even in our absence. While talking about organ donation can be uncomfortable, its importance cannot be overstated.
Each decision to donate organs is a precious gift, offering hope and a second chance at life for those in need.
It is important to take the space granted to us by events such as Organ Donor Awareness Week to acknowledge how critical organ donation is in terms of enhancing the quality of life of a patient. That is why this event takes place every year – to raise this awareness and in so doing hopefully encourage more people to become organ donors themselves.”
Organ Donor Awareness Week 2024
- Organ Donor Awareness Week 2024 will take place Saturday 20 to Saturday 27 April and is organised by the Irish Kidney Association in association with the HSE’s Organ Donation Transplant Ireland.
- This year’s Organ Donor Awareness Week campaign is built around the theme ‘Don’t Leave Your Loved Ones in Doubt!’ #LeaveNoDoubt.
- The key message for the week is to encourage people to speak to their loved ones about organ donation and to let them know what your wishes are should you pass away. Sharing your wishes when you are in good health makes it a less stressful decision for your family in the event of them being approached about you being a potential organ donor.
- For further information on Organ Donor Awareness Week, contact Gwen O’Donoghue – 086 824 1447 / gwen@ika.ie