Carrying an Organ Donor Card can save lives, Kildare South Fine Gael TD Martin Heydon, has said.
Speaking during Organ Donor Awareness Week 2018, Deputy Heydon emphasised the importance of raising awareness of organ donation. Organ Donor Awareness Week 2018 runs from Saturday 31st March- Saturday 7th April.
“I am proud to support this annual life-saving awareness campaign organised by the Irish Kidney Association and supported by the ODTI (Organ Donation Transplantation Ireland).”
“This is an issue I feel very strongly about having lost a kidney unexpectedly when I was 18. I have met families who have benefited from the positive benefits of organ donation and also those who have found comfort in the act of donation at such a sad time.
“Organ Donor Awareness Week is a great time to highlight how organ donation can save lives. The Irish Kidney Association says that almost 3500 transplanted people in Ireland are enjoying extended life thanks to organ donation.
“I encourage everyone to get an Organ Donor Card if they don’t already have one.
“If you do already have the card, make sure to inform your nearest and dearest of your wish to donate your organs should anything happen to you and permit Code 115 to be included on your driver’s license.
“The Minister for Health, Simon Harris, recently published the results of an informed public consultation on the opt-out provision. He confirmed to the Dáil that we expect this legislation to go to pre-legislative scrutiny in the Oireachtas this year and I believe we will make a lot of progress on this matter in 2018.” concluded Deputy Heydon.
Organ Donor Cards can also be obtained by phoning the Irish Kidney Association tel. 01 6205306 or Free text the word DONOR to 50050. Visit website www.ika.ie/card.