Organ donation: What you need to know

Ontario
In Ontario, you can show your intent to be an organ donor by carrying a signed donor card. Cards are included with new and renewed driver's licenses and available through the Trillium Gift of Life Network (call 416-363-4001 or 1-800-263-2833), at Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care offices and at some Ministry of Transportation offices. You can also register your wishes and have them linked to your health card with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care -- visit their website to obtain the Organ and Tissue Donor Registration Form.

Quebec
To indicate your willingness to donate organs and tissues in Quebec, obtain a free donation sticker and apply it to your health card. Stickers are available at CLSCs, hospitals or drugstores.

Quebec Transplant coordinates organ donation in Quebec. For more information, visit their website, or phone them at 1-877-463-6366.

Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia you can register your wish for organ and tissue donation on your health card on renewal. You can also call MSI at 1-800-563-8880 and a donor registration form will be mailed to you. Capital Health offers more information on organ donation in Nova Scotia.

New Brunswick
New Medicare cards have your wishes about organ donation clearly displayed; you can make your intent known on your renewal form. If you would like to show your desire to become a donor before your card is up for renewal, contact Service New Brunswick at 1-888-762-8600.

Newfoundland and Labrador
In Newfoundland and Labrador, you can show you wish to be a donor by signing a donor card or indicating your decision on your driver's license. For more information, contact the Department of Health and Community Services at 709-729-4984.

Prince Edward Island
According to InfoPEI, the province doesn't have an organ donor card, but there are a number of ways to make your wishes known, in addition to discussing them with your family:
• You can place a red sticker on your P.E.I. health card. The sticker is mailed to you with your health card renewal form.
• You can have a red heart engraved on your driver's license at the time of renewal. If you have already renewed your driver's license, you can still go to the Ministry of Transportation offices and they will add it for free.
• You can express your wish to donate organs and tissues in writing when preparing your health care directive.

For more information
• Canadian Association of Transplantation -- Myths and facts
• The Organ Donation and Transplant Association of Canada -- Frequently asked questions
• British Columbia Transplant Society -- Frequently asked questions

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