NB Organ and Tissue Program

• Myths
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Information for Health Professionals

In New Brunswick hundreds of people are currently waiting for a hero.

You could be that hero.

Becoming an organ, tissue and ocular transplant donor is an important commitment. You could save or enrich the life of one or more of the more than 4500 Canadians now waiting for a donor.

Anyone can donate organs and tissues. Everyone has the opportunity to become an organ donor no matter your age and health. The medical suitability of the organs and tissues is determined by trained health professionals.

It only takes two simple steps to become a donor:

1. You must indicate your intent to donate on your Provincial Medicare Card. You can do this by calling Service New Brunswick at 1-888-762-8600 and select "2" to request your Medicare Card be updated. Your new Medicare card will clearly display a "D" to indicate you are a donor. You may change or withdraw your consent to donate at any time.

2. Discuss your decision with your family or loved ones.  It is important that those closest to you know wishes.

For more information:

Organ Donation
506-643-6848

Ocular Donation
506-632-5541

Tissue Donation
506-870-2556

Myths

Thousands of New Brunswickers mistakenly believe they are registered organ donors. Make sure you are registered by checking your Provincial Medicare card where it clearly displays a "D" to indicate you are a donor. Or you can do this by calling Service New Brunswick at 1-888-762-8600 and select "2" to request your Medicare Card updated.

Did you know when you register to be an organ donor; this is intent to donate and not consent. In most cases, families honour their loved ones' decision to donate if they have evidence that it's what they wanted. But the legal nest-of-kin have the final decision. This is why it is important to talk to your family about your wishes; one day this act could save a life.

Myth: I'm already registered because I signed my donor card.

• Fact: Even if you signed a donor card it is intent to donate and not consent. This is why it is important to talk to your family about your wishes

Myth: I can't be an organ donor because my religion won't allow it.

• Fact: Most religions support organ and tissue donation because it can save the life of another.

Myth: I can't be a donor because I have/had a serious illness (cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, etc)

• Fact: Despite health condition, you still have the potential to be a donor. All potential donors are evaluated on an individual, medical, case-by-case basis.

Myth: Organ donation will affect my funeral.

• Fact: Organ and Tissue donation does not generally disrupt funeral plans.

Myth: Families have to pay for organ donation.

• Fact: Organ and Tissue donation does not cost families anything. They are giving a gift.

Myth: There's no way anyone would want my organs or tissue - I'm too old.

• Fact: There is NO age limit for organ donation, however the current age limit for tissue donation is 75 years.

Myth: If I sign my card, doctors won't work as hard to save my life.

• Fact: The first concern for any health care professionals is to do everything possible to save lives. Indicate your intention to donate do not have any impact on the effort made by health care professional to save your life.