The number of British Columbians making a life-saving commitment is rising thanks to a new partnership between BC Transplant and Service BC.
Since April, 62 Service BC centres throughout the province now provide a central location where residents can register and learn more about organ donation.
In that time, close to 20,000 people, including at least 91 in 100 Mile House, have registered to become organ donors.
For helping make the program a success, Service BC agents Mike Schulz and April Kennedy were presented with a Community Leadership Award by Edna Humphreys, a regional director with the Kidney Foundation of Canada, BC & Yukon Branch, in 100 Mile House on Oct. 16.
The majority of people in the province waiting for an organ transplant are in need of a kidney, Humphreys explains.
“You guys have done an amazing job,” she told Schulz and Kennedy.
“You have no idea what hope your numbers give to all the people [more than 500 in B.C.] waiting for a life-saving organ. Over 400 of those are waiting for kidneys. We really want to express our thanks by giving this Community Leadership Award.”
Service BC executive Jon Burbee says the increase of subscribers, both locally and across the province, is “huge.”
“It's 15 per cent more than the last five years put together. Ninety-one [registrations] in a community of this size really makes a difference. The people that are waiting [for transplants] are people's kids, loved ones and neighbours.”
According to a government news release, more than 95 per cent of British Columbians support organ donation, but as of last spring, only 20 per cent were registered to be a donor.
"Registering as a donor is a simple, small step anyone can do to save the life of a person or family in need,” says Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services Amrik Virk.
“Many people who come into our offices have a decal on their driver's licence and think they're registered; however, people need to be registered with BC Transplant to offer this life-giving gift and our staff can help you do that."
For more information, visit www.transplant.bc.ca.