Today, in Ontario, there are about 1,400 people waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. This is their only treatment option, and every 3 days someone will die because they did not get their transplant in time.
But you can help. When you register your consent for organ and tissue donation, you let those waiting know that you would help them if you could.
Take 2 minutes to change someone’s life
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1Have your health card number ready
Provide your basic information including date of birth and health card number. You must be at least 16 years old.
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2“Register now” and fill out your donor form
Register your donation decision or check your registration status with the province of Ontario on the ServiceOntario site.
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3Spread the word to save more lives
Visit our Spread the Word section to encourage friends and family to do the same.
“I heard the words ‘enlarged heart’. I knew it was bad.”
Ryley was only two months old when she became quite ill. A heart transplant saved her life. Watch Ryley’s story.
About 1,400 Ontarians are currently waiting for an organ transplant
Only 35% of Ontarians are registered to donate with still 12.6 million unregistered.
By donating your organs and tissue after you die, you can save up to 8 lives and improve up to 75 more.
Register to donate90%
of Ontarians
support organ donation;
however, only 35% are
registered.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What organs and tissue can be donated?
Organs and tissue that can be donated include the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas, small intestines, eyes, bone, skin, and heart valves.
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I signed my donor card, do I need to register again?
Paper donor cards are no longer in use as they often were not available when needed. In 2008, Ontario Health (Trillium Gift of Life Network) adopted an affirmative registry and now your consent to donate organs and tissue is stored in a Ministry of Health database. By formally registering, either online at www.BeADonor.ca or in person at any ServiceOntario location, you ensure that your decision is recorded and can be made available to your loved ones at the right time. You only need to register once.
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What does it mean to consent to donate organs and tissue for research?
Organs or tissue not suitable for transplantation can be used for organ and tissue research (if indicated by donor upon registration). This research is specific to the field of organ and tissue donation, and is not the same as whole body donation.
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Does my religion support organ and tissue donation?
Most major religions support organ and tissue donation because it can save the life of another. If your religion restricts the use of a body after death, consult your religious leader: these restrictions may not include organ and tissue donation, if the donation could save another life. More information can be found here.
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Can my family overrule my decision to donate?
When you register your consent to donate, this information is recorded and stored in a Ministry of Health database. Your decision will only be accessed should there be potential for donation, and your status as a registered donor will be shared with your family. It is Ontario Health (Trillium Gift of Life Network's) practice to reaffirm an individual's consent to donate with the family. In most cases, families honour their loved ones' decision to donate if they have evidence that it's what they wanted.
Register as an organ donor and talk to your family about your wishes; one day this act could save a life.