With it being National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week, the province is supporting two human tissue gift agencies in their efforts to sign up 10,000 Manitobans donors online.

On Monday, Health Minister Audrey Gordon announced that the government would be supporting this goal by lighting the Legislative Building with the Sign Up for Life logo for April 25 and 26.

“Organ and tissue donation helps people live healthier, more productive lives and can save the life of someone living with end-stage organ failure,” said Gordon. “If you know you would like to be a donor, registering online at Sign Up for Life takes the burden of that decision off your family and ensures your intent is known and respected.”

The minister noted the goal of 10,000 new donors is in recognition of 10 years of online service to Manitobans through signupforlife.ca and encouraged Manitobans to consider registering and sharing their final decision with loved ones.

To support Manitobans in making their choice known, the province simplified the donor registration process in 2019 by moving it entirely online and eliminating paper donor cards. 

According to the government, since the launch of signupforlife.ca in 2012, online registration has steadily increased, with more than 7,000 Manitobans signing up on the secure site in 2021. Currently, the registry holds more than 60,000 donation decisions.

Gordon notes the new Health Sciences Centre (HSC) Transplant Wellness Centre (which officially opened during National Organ and Tissue Donation Week 2021.) Is improving the quality of life for people living with organ failure and people living with a transplant and supporting those wanting to be a living kidney donor. 

National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week started on April 24 and will conclude on April 30.