To challenge myths and misconceptions around the donation of organs and tissue the Organ and Tissue Authority (OTA) is embarking on a campaign to change our views about organ donation.

Extensive consultation with religious and cultural leaders across the country has revealed many Australians in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities may be reluctant to take part in donation programs.

According to OTA chief executive officer Yael Cass “forty per cent of Australians don’t know if their religion supports organ and tissue donation, and 20 per cent of families that declined donation in 2014 did so for religious or cultural reasons.

“This uncertainty is one of the key barriers to making a decision, or sharing that decision about organ and tissue donation with loved ones,” sais Ms Cass.
Common assumptions included people thinking they are too old or not healthy enough to donate.

However, age is not a barrier, with many people in their 70s and 80s saving lives through donations of their organs and tissue. Regardless of diet, or smoking or drinking habits, people may be able to donate.

Another misconception is that donation may result in disfigurement of the body. As the surgery is performed by highly skilled health professionals, Ms Cass reassures there is no chance of this.

“While the majority of Australians are supportive of organ and tissue donation, we found that there was a need to make culturally appropriate information available to CALD communities to assist in decision-making,” she explained.

“Last year 1,117 Australians received an organ transplant because of the generosity of 378 organ donors and their families.

And nearly 4,000 tissue donors enabled more than 5,500 tissue transplant recipients to receive a tissue graft, some receiving multiple grafts. We are pleased with the progress so far and are keen to continue engaging with communities to help them discover the facts about donation.”

The widespread support is reflected in the numbers: 80 religious and cultural leaders in Australia have signed DonateLife Statements of Support to date.

Fact sheets are available in Greek throught the DonateLife website. Visit www.donatelife.gov.au