THE SDLP’s Mark H Durkan has called on people to open a dialogue with their friends and family regarding organ donation this Organ Donation Week 7th-13th September.
In support of the Donate 4 Dáithí campaign, Mr Durkan has backed the virtual #Coffeesation encouraging family and friends to ensure their organ donation wishes are known.
Said the Foyle MLA: “Organ Donation Week is an opportunity to have a life-saving conversation with friends and family if the worst should happen.
“It’s difficult and deeply personal but it’s so important that more families talk about this.
“Last year 140 families said no to organ donation as they were not aware of their loved one’s wishes.
“The harsh reality is that we currently do not have enough donors to meet need here, meaning that people will continue to die on transplant waiting lists.
“Decisions made by brave people in this week could make all the difference to those in desperate need.
“It takes just one donor to save up to nine lives.”
He added: “We also need to be looking towards an opt-out organ donation system here in the North; in line with England.
“It is something I’ve raised on numerous occasions and I’m hopeful we are one step closer to achieving.”
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