State Member for Pine Rivers, Carolyn Male MP, is encouraging local residents to talk to their family about whether or not they want to be an organ donor as part of Australian Organ Donor Awareness Week.

Carolyn Male MP said the aim of the awareness week which runs from 21 to 28 February 2010 is to encourage family discussion around the topic of organ and tissue donation.

“While no family wants to find themselves in a situation to make the decision about organ donation it can only be made easier if families know their loved ones wishes,” Carolyn Male MP said.

“Even if an individual has registered a yes to donation on the Australian Organ Donor Register, the family still have to authorise donation to proceed.”

“Organ donation is an important issue for all Queenslanders.”

“It is only when a person and their family say yes to donation that our medical staff can save or give another individual the gift of life,” Carolyn Male MP said.

Queensland has a very proud history of transplantation with Australia’s first liver transplant performed in 1985 at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane.

Carolyn Male MP said since those early days some 3000 Queenslanders have been given a second chance at life, but none of this would have been possible without registered donors and their families.

“Every donor has the potential to improve the lives of 10 people.

“I would encourage you to take the time this week to talk to your loved ones about organ donation,” Carolyn Male MP said.

For more information visit www.donatelife.gov.au. To record your decision to donate go to www.donorregister.gov.au, call 1800 777 203 or alternatively go to any Medicare office and pick up a brochure.