One donor can save up to 8 lives.

To increase organ and tissue donations, Ontario is changing the way donation wishes are recorded. Now only a "Yes" to organ and tissue donation will be collected.

One organ and tissue donor can save up to 8 lives and enhance as many as 75 more. By registering your consent to donate today, you can positively impact the lives of many Ontarians in need of organ and tissue transplants.

When you register for or renew your health card in Ontario, you can also register your consent to donate your organs and tissue. This information is stored in a Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care database. The Ministry will use and disclose the information about your decision to the Trillium Gift of Life Network, Ontario's organ and tissue donation agency, only for the purpose of ensuring that your decision to donate is known.

If you have a signed donor card, you still need to register.

A donor card is a paper card carried by the prospective donor. Your decision to donate is only known to the extent that you share this decision with your family and friends. However, when you register your consent to donate organs and tissue, this information is stored in a Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care database and made available for the purpose of ensuring your decision to donate is known and respected.

Make your wishes known to your family.

It is vitally important whether you decide to consent to donate or not, discuss your wishes with your family. By doing so, you relieve your family of the burden to decide whether to donate on your behalf during their time of grief.

Note: Studies have come to show that donating the organs and tissues of a loved one can provide immediate comfort and long-term consolation for family members.

Each year thousands of Ontarians get a second chance to live life to its fullest, thanks to the kindness of people who have given the gift of life and donated organs and tissue. But many more are still waiting. All too often lives are lost because suitable donors are not found in time. Many people will spend months, and in some cases years, waiting for a second chance because the need for organs and tissue in Ontario continues to outweigh their availability.

It doesn't have to be this way. Talk to your family about your decision to give life. One conversation can make all the difference for the future.

Religion and organ and tissue donation.

Most major religions support organ and tissue donation. To find out more: Click here.