BALLARAT URGED TO DISCOVER, DECIDE AND DISCUSS THIS SPRINGFEST

At SpringFest 2011, Ballarat residents are being urged to take five minutes out at the DonateLife stall to discover the facts and to make an informed decision regarding organ and tissue donation.

Ballarat Health Service's senior nurse for organ and tissue donation, Jo Forteath will be on hand to answer questions about organ and tissue donation and is setting a goal for 500 registrations and family discussions to take place.

"It's so important that Ballarat residents ask and know their loved ones wishes regarding organ and tissue donation. Families need to know each other's donation wishes as one day they could be asked to confirm the wishes of their loved one.

"Thousands of people enjoy SpringFest at Lake Wendouree with their families, and I'd urge people to take five minutes out to find out more about the life saving benefits of organ and tissue donation.

"One organ and tissue donor can save up to ten lives – it's an extraordinary gift.

"Come along, find out more and participate in our family discussion and registration drive."

Ms Forteath is being supported in her campaign to achieve 500 new local registered donors by Ballarat MP and the Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Catherine King.

"I know that locally most people are supportive of organ and tissue donation. There are already over 16,000 Ballarat residents who have registered their wishes on the Australian Organ Donor Register.

"There is nothing as generous or as altruistic as making a decision to be an organ and tissue donor – but to ever become a donor, it's crucial that you tell your family your wishes, because in the end it's your family who have to provide consent for donation to proceed.

"I'd urge anyone who is interested in finding out more to come along to the stall and register there and then. It takes a couple of minutes to fill out the form and then to let your family know your wishes.

"Five minutes out of your day may save a life in the future," Ms King concluded.

Event details:

 The DonateLife Stall will be on at Springfest at Lake Wendouree Sunday 30 October.

Contact:

Jo Forteath
0411 323 006 or

Chris Carpenter (Ms King's office)
(03) 5338 8123.