Stamps highlight greater need for organ & tissue donors

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Australia Post aims to raise awareness of the need for organ and tissue donation in Australia with the release of a 50 cent stamp dedicated to helping increase the number of registrations on the Australian Organ Donor Register. Australia currently has one of the lowest organ donation rates in the developed world despite having one of the highest transplant success rates (approximately 90% living after one year).

The highly colorful graphic design by noted Australian illustrator Nigel Buchanan of the 50 cent stamp shows the interface between life and death, with the giver’s extraordinary act of giving depicted through a figure holding out their heart in the palm of their hand.

“The gift of an organ or tissue donation can mean a second chance of life for up to 10 different people” said Mr Noel Leahy, Group Manager Philatelic, Australia Post. “Through these stamps, Australia Post hopes that more people will be encouraged to join the Australian Organ Donor Register and make available the greatest gift of all.”

By donating their organs, over 200 remarkable people gave the gift of life to hundreds of fellow Australians in the last 12 months. And more than 30,000 Australians have received transplants in the last 60 years. Donation can involve organs including kidneys, heart, lungs, liver and pancreas and tissues; which include heart valves, bone tissue, skin tissue, and eye tissue.

There are currently 1,780 people known to be on organ transplant waiting lists in Australia, while the number of people who require tissue transplants is even greater. More than 710,000 Australians have registered their legal consent to become organ and tissue donors, but there is a desperate need for more.

Organ Tissue and Donation Week is being held from 17 February – 24 February. People who are interested in more information about organ and tissue donation, or who are interested in registering their desire to become a donor can do so easily by visiting www.medicareaustralia.gov.au, visiting their local Medicare office, calling 1800 777 203 or send an email to aodr@medicareaustralia.gov.au to request a registration form.

Stamps are available from selected Australia Post outlets from Tuesday 4 February and via mail order on 1800 331 794. Overseas customers can purchase online at www.auspost.com.au/stamps.