National Organ and Tissue Donation Week: hundreds of people still waiting

National Organ and Tissue Donation Week: hundreds of people still waiting

Quebec has reached a historic milestone in organ donation, with 196 donors and 617 transplants, helping transform the lives of 491 recipients. These results highlight the growing importance of mobilization around organ donation in the province.

Despite this progress, demand remains high. According to Transplant Québec, 898 people are still waiting for a transplant that could save their lives or significantly improve their health. It is in this context that National Organ and Tissue Donation Week begins, running from April 19th to 25th.

The data also reminds us of an important fact: there is no age limit for donation. Only the quality of organs and tissues matters. In Quebec, the youngest recorded donor was just 48 hours old, while the oldest was 92. A single donor can save up to eight lives.

From both a medical and economic standpoint, each kidney transplant saves approximately $50,000 per year in dialysis treatment costs, while also greatly improving patients’ quality of life.

Although public support is strong—92% of Quebecers say they are in favor of organ donation—only 4 in 10 have officially confirmed their consent. This gap remains a major challenge for health authorities.

Awareness efforts are also increasing at the municipal level, with 119 cities and municipalities participating this year in National Organ and Tissue Donation Week.

Some regions stand out for their performance, including the Greater Montreal area, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, and Mauricie–Centre-du-Québec.

Organ donation remains a vital act of solidarity, capable of saving lives and profoundly changing the future of many patients in Quebec.