FREDERICTON, NB - April 15, 2016 - The NB Tissue and Organ Program is inviting Fredericton residents to join them and the Canadian Transplant Association - New Brunswick Branch, at a flag raising ceremony  to celebrate National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week on Sunday, April 17 at 11 a.m. at City Hall.

National Organ and Tissue Awareness Week will be celebrated across Canada from April 18-25. According to Health Canada, approximately 4,500 people are waiting for an organ transplant in Canada today, and over 200 people on that list will die before receiving one. An organ donor can save as many as eight lives, while a tissue donor may improve the quality of life for up to 75 people.

During this awareness week, New Brunswickers are encouraged to make or renew their commitment to organ and tissue donation, and to make their wishes known to their family members.

The NB Organ and Tissue Program is administered by Horizon Health Network and includes organ, tissue and ocular donations. More information can be found on Horizon's website, Service New Brunswick's website or by calling toll-free 1-888-762-8600.

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For more information contact:

Stephanie Neilson
Senior Media Relations Advisor
1-877-499-1899
Media@HorizonNB.ca
www.HorizonNB.ca