MONCTON) April 20, 2018 - The NB Organ and Tissue Program is inviting Moncton 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 at a flag-raising ceremony to celebrate National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week (NOTDAW) on Monday, April 23 at 12 p.m. at City Hall in Moncton and Tuesday, April 24 at 12 p.m. at City Hall in Dieppe.

'Transplant Trot' events with 5 km and 10 km walks/runs, as well as a 1 km kids fun, are also being held in Moncton on Saturday, April 21 at 9:30 a.m., and will depart at 10 a.m. from the Moncton Press Club, 160 Assomption Blvd. Similar events are being held at other locations across Canada.

National Organ and Tissue Awareness Week is being celebrated across Canada-wide from April 22-29. Approximately 4,600 Canadians are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant and many more are waiting for tissue transplants. Sadly, approximately 250 Canadians die each year waiting for a transplant. This year, there are over 250 New Brunswickers on the wait list. 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. 

- 30 -

For more information contact:

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