Organ & Tissue Donation

Understanding Organ & Tissue Donation 
In Canada

Many people choose to become organ and tissue donors when they die because it is a way to help others live healthy lives and recover from difficult medical issues. One of the options available to all of us is to become a donor before we die so that our organs can be given to others after we are gone. There is always going to be a need for organ and tissue donors who save countless lives in Canada each and every year. Some people, though, are wary about the idea of giving away their organs, even after they are dead and others’ spiritual or religious beliefs prevent them from doing so. We wanted to help shed some light on the benefits of organ and tissue donation, by looking at the current situation in this country.  

There is a Definite Need

According to the Government of Canada, in 2016, over 4,500 Canadians were waiting for organ transplants, almost 3,000 organs were transplanted and over 250 people died while waiting for a matched donor. Through these numbers we can identify a need for more people to register as organ donors. 

Learn More About Organ & Tissue Donation

The Canadian Transplant Association (CTA), is a registered charitable organization founded in 1987 to enrich and celebrate life while promoting organ and tissue donation. Their members share a unique bond and include transplant recipients, candidates on transplant wait lists, donor families, living donors, families, friends and health care professionals. You can learn more about organ and tissue donation directly on their website below.

Learn More About Organ & Tissue Donor

Does Being a Donor Impact My Funeral?

It is a common misconception that becoming a donor will somehow impact the funeral options available to you. That if you donate your organs, for example, you cannot have an open-casket funeral. While it may seem like that makes sense, organs are removed using a single incision (generally) procedure that can be covered by clothing and prepared by a funeral director. Becoming an organ donor is a matter of choice, but it has no negative impacts on the funeral itself or the process of arranging the funeral. 

Become an Organ & Tissue Donor

The Canadian Government website also shares that over the last decade, the amount of donors who gave their organs after death has risen by almost half - but the number of people in need have also gone up. If you want to be part of the effort to help keep more Canadians alive, please look into how to register as an organ donor. The process and requirements vary by province, but you can visit this link to find out about the process where you live. 

Become an Organ & Tissue Donor
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