A very special day is just around the corner; Friday 30th of August is Jersey Day. AusSteel wholeheartedly supports Jersey Day, and here’s why we think you should too.
What is Jersey Day?
Each year Australians don their favourite sports jersey for Jersey Day, having conversations with family and friends about organ and tissue donation.
Jersey Day was inspired by an amazing 13-year-old named Nathan Gremmo, who gave the ultimate gift of life to 6 people when he became an organ donor. Click here to read more about Nathan’s story.
The main goal of Jersey Day is raising awareness. In the spirit of Nathan’s zest for life, Jersey Day is FUN! It is also free to participate and to register as a business or organisation who wishes to show their support.
Most importantly you could help save a life – or many – by registering as an organ and tissue donor and telling your family and friends of your decision.
How to be a part of Jersey Day
- Put on your favourite sports jersey. Or you can show your support by purchasing a Jersey Day jersey from the official website.
- Take a pic or video in your jersey.
- Post it on social media and tag @jerseydayau. Don’t forget to use the hashtags #jerseydayau and #donatelife.
- Spread the word about organ and tissue donation in your caption.
- Have a chat with your friends and family about organ and tissue donation.
For more information on Jersey Day, visit the Jersey Day website.
Donation statistics in Australia
According to Donate Life:
“Organ, eye and tissue donation saves lives, restores health and improves the quality of life for thousands of Australians each year. But did you know that only 2% of people who die in hospital each year can be considered for organ donation? One organ donor can save the lives of up to 7 people and help many more through eye and tissue donation.”
You can read more about the statistics around organ donation in Australia here.
Why is registering so important?
4 out of 5 Australians aged 16+ support organ and tissue donation, however, only 1 in 3 are registered. By registering, you provide a clear indication to your loved ones that you wish to be considered as a donor in the future. After you’ve registered, it is important to talk to your family about donation.
Without knowing your decision, your family may be unsure of your wishes or what to do if they are asked to consider organ donation on your behalf. According to Donate Life:
“Around 9 in 10 families say yes to donation when you are registered. Only 4 in 10 families say yes to donation if they are unsure what to do.”
You can register your intent to donate organs and tissues on the Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR) – a confidential national record of Australia’s organ donation decisions. This register is linked to your Medicare account and is administered by Services Australia.
Click here to join the register.
Join us!
Join AusSteel this Jersey Day by donning your favourite jersey and talking to your friends and family about this vital topic. You could just save a life.
Resources
Jersey Day Website:
Donate Life Website:
https://www.donatelife.gov.au/all-about-donation
How does Donation Work?:
https://www.donatelife.gov.au/all-about-donation/how-does-donation-work
Support for Donor Families:
https://www.donatelife.gov.au/all-about-donation/support-donor-families
