As the CEO of Australia’s largest motoring organisation, I am acutely aware that despite advances in road and vehicle safety there is still an unacceptably high number of accidents and fatalities on our roads, highlighting the need for blood, organ and tissue donors.
The Red Cross is constantly crying out for more blood donations to meet hospital demand and there is a desperate need in Australia for more organ and tissue donors, with nearly 2000 Australians waiting for an organ transplant at any one time.
NRMA has a history of helping people and communities in need. Now, for our families, our friends and for strangers in need, we should help in whatever small way we can. You can donate blood during a lunch break. Registering to become an organ and tissue donor takes only a few moments of your time.
Organ donation is an issue we should all consider and discuss with our families. It is a sad fact that more than 100 people die each year in Australia while waiting for an organ transplant because there simply aren’t enough donors to fill the need. Making your family aware of your decision to become an organ donor will let them know you wish to donate organs and tissues after you die and prevent any unnecessary miscommunication with the hospital.
For more information on becoming a Red Cross blood donor, visit donateblood.com.au or call 13 14 95.
To become an organ donor, contact the Australian Organ Donor Register on 1800 777 203. You can register at medicareaustralia.gov.au or visit your local Medicare or RTA office.
Donor consent can also be given when applying for or renewing your NSW driver’s licence. For more information on organ and tissue donation, visit donatelife.gov.au.
Tony Stuart Group CEO
Open Road September/October 2009
