PROVINCE SIGNS CONTRACTS WITH DONOR PHYSICIANS, LAUNCHES AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
[ http://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/n ... r-campaign ]
Released on April 23, 2018
Investments Have Led to the Signing of Three Donor Physicians with Work Underway to Recruit Registered Nurse Donor Co-ordinators
The Ministry of Health and the Saskatchewan Health Authority are launching a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation. Three donor physicians have signed contracts to share a half-time position, which is responsible for providing leadership and education as part of a new model for Saskatchewan’s organ and tissue donation system.
“Our government is committed to improving Saskatchewan’s organ and tissue donation rates,” Health Minister Jim Reiter said. “In addition to signing three donor physicians, we are launching an advertising campaign to remind Saskatchewan residents that agreeing to be an organ donor saves lives.”
In 2018-19, $566,000 has been allocated for the Saskatchewan Health Authority to establish a leadership model for organ and tissue donation, including donor physicians and Registered Nurse donor co-ordinators.
The awareness campaign launch coincides with National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week, and includes video and print media with powerful, real-life examples of organ donation and the impact it has on the lives of Saskatchewan people.
“Donor physicians will champion organ donation across the province,” Saskatchewan Health Authority CEO Scott Livingstone said. “Their leadership coupled with initiatives aimed at improving the donation process itself, will pave the way to improving organ donation rates in Saskatchewan.”
Speaking with loved ones about your intention to donate is important, because organ and tissue donation is only possible with the consent of next of kin.
Visit http://www.saskatchewan.ca to learn more about organ and tissue donation in Saskatchewan, and view the powerful, real-life experiences of three Saskatchewan families. -30-
For more information, contact:
Shirley Xie, Health, Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: shirley.xie@health.gov.sk.ca
Christine Spetz, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Saskatoon
Phone: 306-381-5174
Email: christine.spetz@saskhealthauthority.ca
BACKGROUNDER:
Saskatchewan’s rate of organ and tissue donation from deceased donors is 14.6 donors per million population in 2017 (up from 12.2 per million in 2016).
Canada’s organ and tissue donation rate was 20.9 deceased donors per million population in 2016 (most recent).
$566,000 has been allocated in 2018-19 for the Saskatchewan Health Authority to establish a leadership model for organ and tissue donation, including donor physicians and Registered Nurse donor coordinators.
Awareness Campaign #BeADonorSask
A four-week awareness campaign encourages Saskatchewan residents to consider organ and tissue donation, and talk with their families about their wishes.
Saskatchewan transplant recipient stories are being told online, in cinema ads and on posters.
National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week – April 22-29, 2018
Green Light Day Wednesday, April 25. Buildings to be lit green in Saskatoon, Civic Square; in Regina, City Square (Victoria Park) and the TC Douglas Building.
Green organ donation flags are being flown at Saskatoon and Regina City Halls, St. Paul’s Hospital and Canadian Blood Services clinic in Regina.
Find more information at [ http://www.saskatchewan.ca/organ-donation ] April 23, 2018