This week is National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week and the nurse manager for the provincial organ donation program wants to clear up some common myths and misconceptions.
Jessica Bonnelly says that a lot of people believe that because of age or illness, like diabetes or cancer, they do not qualify which is simply not true.
“Everybody is considered,” says Bonnelly, “Having diabetes does not affect at all being an organ donor. I think that is very important that people realize it is better to register the intent, to talk with the family.”
Bonnelly says that’s another very important thing because when you register it is only signaling an intent to donate, there is no legal value to it — at the end of the day, the person who has the legal right is the next of kin.
“It’s just an intention to donate, and people don’t realize that. They don’t realize their family, their next of kin can go against their wishes. They are the ones who have the right to do it.”
More information can be found on Horizon’s website, Service New Brunswick’s website or by calling 1-888-762-8600.
