CarePlus Pharmacy, Ireland’s fastest growing chain of independent community pharmacies, has teamed up with the Irish Kidney Association to help improve awareness of organ donation.
5,000 organ donor cards are being distributed across the 60 strong network of CarePlus Pharmacies, to coincide with the Irish Kidney Association’s National Organ Donor Awareness Week which runs from March 30th until April 6th. Staff are being trained in encouraging organ donation for transplantation by ensuring people let their loved ones know their wishes.
There are approximately 550 people in Ireland awaiting life-saving heart, lung, liver, kidney and pancreas transplants. Thanks to the gift of organ donation, almost 4,000 transplanted people in Ireland are enjoying extended life.
Statistics from Britain show that the consent rate for donations when people die can be as low as 27%. Awareness of each other’s willingness to donate organs, amongst family members, can improve the consent rate significantly, up to 92%.
Niamh Lynch, Commercial Director with CarePlus Pharmacy says, “Some of our customers are amongst those in transplant waiting pools, and our pharmacists are aware of the significant challenges that they face. By spreading the message across our network, we hope to start thousands of conversations, where people can inform their loved ones about their choice with regards to organ donation. Equally, we want to support the brave people who take part in the living kidney donor programme, and who have offered someone else the gift of life. Organ donor cards will take pride of place in our stores in the months ahead, and we look forward to working closely with the Irish Kidney Association to spread their #HaveTheChat message”.
National Project Manager with the Irish Kidney Association, Colin White says, “Organ donation is active citizenship at its very best. It is about making a positive difference in our community – giving hope and transforming lives. We are delighted to be partnering with CarePlus Pharmacy – with their roots in communities all over Ireland they have a great platform for promoting a national conversation about organ donation”.
Organ Donor Cards can also be obtained by phoning the Irish Kidney Association tel. 01 6205306 or Free text the word DONOR to 50050.
