Organ donation,
it’s
in us
Tell your loved ones that you want to be a donor.
Organ
donation
at a glance
A single donor can save 8 lives. Only a little over 1% of people who pass away in hospitals are eligible to become organ donors, which amounts to a maximum of 500 people if all conditions are met each time.
In Quebec, an average of 550 people of all ages receive an organ transplant each year.
The organs that can be transplanted are the kidneys, heart, lungs, liver, pancreas (including pancreatic islets), and intestine.
At the end of 2024, 856 people were waiting for an organ donation in Quebec.
92% of Quebecers support organ donation.
Transplant Québec is the organization that coordinates organ donation in Quebec.
Who can
donate?
Everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnic origin or sexual orientation can donate. Only the suitability of the organs counts. When donation takes place, thorough evaluations will be performed to ensure quality organs for the recipients. Age on its own is not an exclusion. In Quebec, the oldest organ donor was 92 years old and the youngest only 48 hours old. The average age of donors is about 54 years of age.
Why talk
about it?
At the time of death, medical staff will consult the next of kin about the possibility of organ and tissue donation. The sudden loss of a loved one can be a difficult time. When families don’t know your wishes beforehand, many tend to refuse organ donation. So officially registering your wishes in one of the donor registries will legally confirm your status as a donor and, just as importantly, remain securely on record until it’s needed. Notifying your family of your intentions makes it easier to work with medical staff at that critical time and relieves them of a difficult decision, knowing it’s based on the wishes you’ve shared with them. Because the donation and recovery process must be done rapidly, every minute counts.
The importance
of donation
Organ donation prolongs life. Despite the sensitive circumstances, the vast majority of families who’ve consented to donation report that it’s been a comfort to them. Organ donation is an act of social solidarity. It’s also a generous thing to do. At any given time, more than 800 people are waiting for this precious gift. For many of them, their lives depend on it. Organ donation can soothe your grief, by allowing life to continue in another form. Imagine how you’d feel if it was your own loved one waiting for a donor!
Say-it!
It is important to make your wishes known to your family and friends. Say it however you want. But say it.