Organ and tissue donation is a powerful legacy that gives others another chance at life.
Brightshores Health System plays a critical role in identifying and supporting potential donors and their families to give the gift of life.
Our hospitals have supported 23 organ donors and families. These donations have saved the lives of 52 individuals. An additional 196 tissue donors enhanced the lives of many across Ontario. Tissue donations include corneas, bone, skin, heart valves and tendons.
“It is incredibly meaningful for our team to work with patients and families knowing the lives that are changed by the generosity of donors,” said Dr. Kseniya Troyan, Brightshores Hospital Donation Physician. “I encourage people in our community to consider registering their consent to donate if they haven’t already. Organ and tissue donations save and enhance lives of countless people.”
Brightshores has worked with Ontario Health’s Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN) since 2012. TGLN is responsible for delivering and coordinating organ and tissue donation and transplantation services across the province.
In Ontario, one organ donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of up to 75 others through tissue donation. More than four million Ontarians have formally registered to become organ and tissue donors.
“At Brightshores we recognize Be A Donor month every April to raise awareness for the importance of organ and tissue donations and encourage people to register to donate,” said Colleen Ouwendyk, Director of Critical Care & Rehab at Brightshores. “Fourteen hundred people on average are waiting for a life-saving organ while thousands more are in need of a tissue donation. Every donation offers hope.”
Visit www.beadonor.ca to learn more or register.
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Media Contact:
Alex Madill, Communications Specialist | ahmadill@brightshores.ca | 519-376-2121 ext. 2220
About Brightshores Health System
Brightshores Health System is at the heart of our communities, providing essential healthcare services that impact lives across Grey and Bruce counties. Operating six hospitals in one of Ontario’s largest geographic regions, we serve a predominantly rural population of 175,000 residents, thousands of seasonal residents and more than two million annual tourists. Our dedicated team of more than 3,300 staff, physicians and volunteers delivers a full range of services, including 24/7 emergency care at every hospital site. The continuous development of specialty programs in cancer, stroke, kidney disease and more ensures patients receive quality care and support within our regional network of hospitals. Through a unique partnership with the Brightshores Research Institute, our experts are advancing research that addresses the distinct needs of rural healthcare. Our first-of-its-kind Wellness & Recovery Centre, which provides treatment and recovery under one roof, is recognized as a provincial model to respond to the mental health and addictions crisis.