This year’s 48 in 48 campaign aims to register 48,000 new organ donors in two days
Vancouver, BC - April 21, 2014 – More than 500 British Columbians are currently waiting for organ transplants, and without the generous support of organ donors, these patients won’t get a second chance at life. This year, BC Transplant aims to sign up 48,000 new organ donors over the next 48 hours – and Vancouver Career College is helping to spread the word.
Starting on Monday, April 21st, BC Transplant will hold a 48-hour TV, online and social media registration blitz to kick off National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week, April 21-27, 2014. Vancouver Career College will be doing its part to encourage British Columbians to register their decision on organ donation.
“As career educators, we strive to inspire our students to be the best they can be,” said Larry Heinzlmeir, VP of Marketing for Vancouver Career College. “As a community sponsor of BC Transplant, we’re encouraging our students, staff and alumni to share the message of organ donation with as many people as possible and help register 48,000 new donors over the next 48 hours.”
Last year, 346 transplants were performed in BC. While survival rates for transplant patients have continued to improve, only a small percentage of suitable organs are available. More than 85% of British Columbians support organ donation, but less than 20 percent have registered their decision with BC Transplant. There are also organs that could be viable for transplant but are lost because families may not be aware of their loved one’s choice to be a donor.
How can you help? Register as an organ donor today at transplant.bc.ca. If you’re already a registered donor, help promote the importance of organ donation through Facebook and Twitter, using #48in48.