This week is Organ Donation Week and we’re urging people to have a chat with their loved ones so that they know what your wishes are when it comes to organ donation. Currently three people die every day in need of an organ transplant, often because families haven’t discussed the subject and don’t know whether to consent to donation on behalf of their relative or not.
Three people die every day in need of an organ transplant
Organ Donation Week will see individuals and organisations across the UK working to raise awareness of 
the important need for families to talk about organ donation to help save lives. Last years campaign saw a tremendous amount of media coverage, social media activity and support on the ground at events.
Kidney Care UK will be busy promoting organ donation this week and on Wednesday 5 September we'll be in Westminster to meet MPs and discussing the new organ donation plans alongside NHS Blood & Transplant. We hope to to increase support in Parliament for organ donation and transplant and to raise awareness of kidney disease.
Fiona Loud, Policy Director at Kidney Care UK, "We’re looking forward to some great conversations about what organ donation means to them as well as discussing the implementation of opt out organ donation legislation.”
NHSBT are also encouraging people to share their organ donation decision with their families. Together with hospitals, charities and supporters of organ donation they're highlighting that words save lives and the more people talking about organ donation with their families the better. Many people don’t realise that family support is needed for organ donations to go ahead.
A key part of the NHS Blood & Transplant campaign is encouraging conversations in communities and this week will see buildings, monuments, and other tourist attractions lit up in pink for some or all of the week, such as Belfast City Hall which was lit up in pink last year (right).
Visit the NHS organ donation website for more information about organ donation and how to register.