CKHA Pres. and CEO Colin Patey and CKPS Constable Renee Cowell kick off a campaign for organ donation awareness. Apr 21 2015. (Photo by Simon Crouch) CKHA Pres. and CEO Colin Patey and CKPS Constable Renee Cowell kick off a campaign for organ donation awareness. Apr 21 2015. (Photo by Simon Crouch)
Chatham

Organ Donation Stressed

Another boost of awareness about the need to register for organ and tissue donations from emergency crews and medical officials who are wearing green ribbons in support of Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness week.

Organizer Constable Renee Cowell says three years ago, in conjunction with the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, they started a campaign to allow people to register online.

"Our goal at that point was 250 registered donors. Within three weeks we surpassed that number and because of support within the community, that number is now over 1,000," she says. "We certainly still want people to go home and talk to their family and friends and make their wishes known, but also with that please register your consent."

Officials say that while 85% of Ontario residents support organ donation, only 27% are registered. But in Chatham-Kent, 39% of the population is registered.

To register online click here, and to view the promotional video click here.

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