Forum opens up organ donation discussion

Almost 20 people gathered at the Medina Aboriginal Cultural Centre Donate Life Forum late last month to learn about the importance of organ donation.

The discussion was focused on kidney disease in the Aboriginal population and many questions were raised around some of the common myths associated with organ donation.

Local resident Robert Bonney shared his story about life on dialysis and the Australian Story documentary, Stayin’ Alive, was screened.

Clinical nurse consultant and donation specialist Renee Deleuil said this was the first community forum Donate Life had organised in the area.

“We designed the forum to open up the conversation about organ donation,” she said.

“We asked attendees to consider the importance of signing up to the Australian Organ Donor Register and discussing their wishes with family.

“The high prevalence of kidney disease in the Aboriginal community confirms the need to talk about organ and tissue donation.”

Ms Deleuil said Donate Life hoped to continue to partner with community centres to keep having similar discussions.

She also said Donate Life was eager to hear from the Kwinana and Rockingham communities to learn about ways in which it can improve communication and service.

For more information on how to register as an organ donor, visit [|donatelife.gov.au] .