Mohil woman presents health minister with charity emblem for organ donor awareness

The official launch of Organ Donor Awareness Week 2024 took place on April 16th at Mansion House, Dublin 2.

Key campaign messages continue to be built around sharing wishes for loved ones regarding organ donation, with the theme “Leave a loved one in doubt #LeaveNoDoubt”.

Organ Donor Awareness Week 2024 will take place from 20th to 27th April and is hosted by the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) in collaboration with the HSE’s Organ Donation and Transplantation Ireland (ODTI).

The signing of the Human Tissue Bill by President Michael D. Higgins on 28 February marks a significant milestone for more than 60 years of organ donation and transplantation in Ireland.

Through the planned introduction of altruistic donation and opt-out registries, we can engage the public in important conversations about organ donation.

IKA is calling on the public to use Organ Donor Awareness Week as an opportunity to discuss organ donation with their families. Even after the new law comes into force, we will continue to ask the families of all potential organ donors to consent to organ collection.

Sharing your wishes when you are healthy will help your family act on your behalf if you become a potential organ donor.

Speaking at the national launch, Ms Carol Moore, chief executive of the Kidney Association of Ireland, said: has been started. We know that the Department of Health and the HSE are working hard on this issue. And we will be announcing a future implementation date, hopefully soon.

“When the act is committed, implementedthose who do not want to donate their organs, opt outand in these cases, their families will stay away If they die an untimely death.Everyone who isn't opt out They are considered potential organ donors, but the final decision rests with the family. This law, first of all, Altruistic living donations are practiced in Ireland where the donor does not know the recipient. ”

anytime In Ireland, About 600 people are on the waiting list for organ transplants, including heart, lung, liver, kidney and pancreas.282 organ transplant operations carried out in Ireland in 2023 (The number of transplants is 32 more than in 2022).

This activity was not possible, but for the generosity of the families of 95 deceased and 30 living kidney donors; In 2023, 54 liver transplants will be performed. 6 pancreas transplant was held at St Vincent's Hospital 7 24 heart and lung transplants carried out At Mater Hospital.

Last year, Beaumont Hospital saw an increase in kidney transplants, with 191 kidney transplants performed. 161 of these kidney transplants were from deceased donors; which one Last year, there were 30 living kidney donor transplants, an increase of 31 from the previous year, and three fewer than in 2022.

As of December 31, 2023, there were 2,502 people in Ireland with end-stage renal disease receiving dialysis treatment, but around one-fifth of them (approximately 500 people) were on the waiting list for a kidney transplant. Only.

The Irish Kidney Association is delighted to once again partner with An Post and the Irish Pharmacy Federation, as well as several pharmacy chains, who are supporting this campaign. who We also help spread the message about the importance of organ donation by displaying campaign posters and stocking organ donation cards.