Jersey Day: sparking conversations about organ and tissue donation

Following on from Jersey Day, on Friday 1 September, where Coasties were urged to don their favourite sporting jersey and start a conversation with friends and family about the importance of organ and tissue donation, community members are being encouraged to continue having important conversations about organ and tissue donation.

6 September 2023

 

MEMBER for Gosford Liesl Tesch said Jersey Day was a noteworthy day on which to get talking about the life-saving nature of organ and tissue donation.

 

“On Jersey Day, all kinds of colourful jerseys dotted schoolyards, classrooms and workplaces right across the coast in honour of Jersey Day. Hopefully, as people get behind Jersey Day, there will be hundreds of valuable conversations continuing to take place about how we can all, as individuals, start saving lives through organ and tissue donation,” she said

 

“Many people don’t realise it takes just one minute to register online at donatelife.gov.au to become an organ and tissue donor. Anyone aged over 16 can register. On the Medicare app it takes just three taps.

 

“It’s as easy as discovering the facts about organ donation, deciding about becoming a donor, registering your decision online and - most importantly - discussing your decision with those closest to you so they are fully aware of your wishes.”

 

Ms Tesch encouraged locals who have previously registered to become organ and tissue donors to go online and review their details.

 

“I’m sure there are many of us out there in the community who think they’ve registered…it only takes a minute to check,” she said.

 

David Mehan, Member for The Entrance, says “Jersey Day presents a valuable opportunity to have meaningful conversations with your family and friends regarding the importance of organ and tissue donation.

 

“Families can find it hard to decide if they don't know what their loved one wanted.

 

"If you want to become an organ or tissue donor, you need to tell your family.”

 

Jersey Day was inspired by the gift of life that Nathan Gremmo gave to six people when he became an organ donor at age 13.

 

Nathan Gremmo’s organ donation story can be found here.