Below is a template for you or your organisation to adapt and use to support the 'Know their wishes, OK?' campaign. You could promote DonateLife in your newsletter or on your website and it could also be used in your organisation's printed or online newsletters, websites or intranets. You could also use it for a staff information session over a morning tea.

ASK AND KNOW YOUR LOVED ONES' WISHES

Would you know what to say if you were asked "Did they want to be an organ and tissue donor?".

"More Australians are discussing organ and tissue donation with family members and 72% believe that their family knows their donation wishes. At the same time, only 57% of Australians know the donation wishes of their loved ones," said [spokesperson for your organisation].

As part of the Australian Government's national reform strategy to increase community engagement and awareness in relation to organ and tissue donation, all Australians are encouraged to ask and know the organ and tissue donation wishes of family members.

This is because in Australia the family will always be asked to confirm the donation wishes of the deceased. Families that have discussed and know each other's donation wishes are more likely to uphold those wishes.

The majority of Australians are generally willing to become organ and tissue donors, however Australia's family consent rate is low, with less than 60% of families giving consent for organ and tissue donation to proceed.

"Any day of the week is a good day to have the conversation with your family and close friends. It's a conversation that will help you be prepared, should you ever be asked to confirm a loved one's donation wishes. It will also help your family be prepared should they ever be asked to confirm your wishes. It's a conversation that could one day save lives.

"Some Australians still find it difficult to bring up the subject of organ and tissue donation with family members. Deciding to have that discussion can help normalise the subject and make it OK to talk about", said [spokesperson].

For more information visit the Donatelife website.

ENDS