Saskatchewan now has the highest rate of deceased organ donors per million people in its provincial population throughout Canada, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) announced yesterday.
In a January 21 release, the SHA states that since 2014, the number of deceased organ donors has increased by a “remarkable” 300 per cent thanks to the provincial Organ Donation Program.
The release notes this significant growth highlights the power of community commitment to saving lives, as one organ donor can save up to eight other people, and a single tissue donor can enhance the lives of up to 75 people.
As well, the program not only benefits organ recipients locally in Saskatchewan but also contributes nationally, as organs like hearts and lungs are shared across Canada to address urgent needs.
In the release, Saskatchewan resident Darla Breton shared what it meant for her to say “yes” to organ donation after her son’s passing: “Donating my son’s organs has allowed me a beginning instead of an ending.”
For more information about tissue or organ donation, or to become a registered donor, visit www.givelifesask.ca.