Organ & Tissue Donation

What is Trillium Gift of Life Network?

Trillium Gift of Life Network is a not-for-profit agency of the Government of Ontario dedicated to the planning, promotion, coordination and support of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.  Its mission is to save and enhance lives through the gift of organ and tissue donation in Ontario.

My loved one just died. He/she wanted to be an organ donor. What do I do?

Please call Trillium Gift of Life Network’s Provincial Resource Centre, toll free, at 1-877-363-8456. They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer your questions.

 

What organs and tissue can be donated?

Organs and tissue that can be donated include the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas, small intestines, eyes, bone, skin, and heart valves.

Does my age, medical condition, or sexual orientation prevent me from being a donor?

Everyone is a potential donor regardless of age, medical condition or sexual orientation. The oldest Canadian organ donor was ninety-two and the oldest tissue donor was a hundred and four. Even individuals with serious illnesses can sometimes be donors. Your decision to register should not be based on whether you think you would be eligible or not. All potential donors are evaluated on an individual, medical, case-by-case basis.

What if I can't donate blood, can I still be an organ and tissue donor?

Yes, regulations set by Health Canada for blood donation differ from organ and tissue donation. Everyone is a potential donor. Your decision to register should not be based on whether you think you would be eligible or not. All potential donors are evaluated on an individual, medical, case-by-case basis.

Why should I register as an organ and tissue donor?

By registering consent for organ and tissue donation, you give hope to the thousands of Ontarians waiting for a transplant. Individuals on the transplant wait list are suffering from organ failure and without the generous gift of life from an organ donor, they will die. Tissue donors can also enhance the lives of recovering burn victims, help restore sight, and allow people to walk again.  Transplants not only save lives, they return recipients to productive lives.

How do I register as an organ and tissue donor?

Anyone 16 years of age or older, with a valid Ontario health card, can register their consent for organ and tissue donation at www.BeADonor.ca or in person at any ServiceOntario centre.

What does it mean to consent to donate organs and tissue for research?

Organs or tissue not suitable for transplantation can be used for organ and tissue research (if indicated by donor upon registration).  This research is specific to the field of organ and tissue donation, and is not the same as whole body donation.

 

How do I update or withdraw my consent to organ and tissue donation?

You can update or withdraw your consent at any time at www.BeADonor.ca, simply choose “Check or Update Registration” on the home page. You can also visit any ServiceOntario centre to update or withdraw in person. You can also withdraw your consent by mailing a letter to the below address with your name, date of birth, health card number and mailing address.

Organ Donor Consent 
ServiceOntario 
P.O. Box 48 
Kingston, ON  K7L 5J3