This digest is an opportunity to reflect on and acknowledge our collective efforts to improve the OTDT system for the benefit of all Canadians. Please share with your colleagues and invite them to subscribe. You may unsubscribe at anytime. Send contributions, comments and suggestions to otdt@blood.ca
Inspiring others to make all the difference...
A kidney donation in 2015 didn’t just free Mary Beaucage from dialysis, it empowered her to work to improve care for others, especially Indigenous patients — and in doing so, to be a part of strengthening their communities. Mary has been making a difference in the OTDT community for years. We are grateful to Mary for sharing her inspiring story. It truly reminds us of the ripple effect donation can have on a community. Read more about Mary's story and how she continues to Make all the Difference.
2021 System Progress Data now available
The latest validated data for organ donation and transplantation system is now available via the System Progress Data Dashboard 2021, This interactive online platform reports national performance data for organ donation and transplantation in Canada.
Key metrics for 2021:
2,782 organ transplants were performed, made possible thanks to the generous act of organ donation from 734 deceased donors and 595 living donors.
250 patients died waiting for an organ transplant.
4,043 patients were waiting for a lifesaving or life-enhancing organ transplant by the end of the year.
Emergency room nurse becomes two-time living organ donor
Julia sits on the volunteer advisory committee with the Centre for Living Donation at Toronto’s University Health Network, and shared her story as part of Living Donation Week. She also works with the Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program (CDTRP) and has been involved with studies involving organ donors and recipients. Recently, Julia has began volunteering with BC Transplant. It’s her hope that her experience can inspire others to consider becoming living organ donors.
A roadmap to guide our reconciliation journey with Indigenous peoples and communities
On Sept. 29, Canadian Blood Services released its organization’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The RAP is a roadmap for how Canadian Blood Services intends to collaborate and work with Indigenous employees, donors, registrants, partners, stakeholders and communities moving forward. It provides a framework for translating our reconciliation commitments into meaningful actions that will benefit First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and communities.
“We are dedicated to evolving Canadian Blood Services into an inclusive place where First Nations, Métis and Inuit employees can thrive, and where rare blood, stem cell and other specific needs of Indigenous patients can be more readily met,” said Dr. Graham Sher, CEO.
“Reconciliation requires time, allocation of resources and ongoing commitment — and we are devoted to this pathway of humility, awareness, dialogue and action.”
Great Actions Leave a Mark - a new national living donation awareness campaign
UHN-led Living Donation Week 2022 was a great success, with landmarks across the country lit up green, celebrations, educational opportunities, and social posts sharing the important impact of living donation. However, the awareness opportunities didn't end in September!
Great Actions Leave a Mark is an exciting new multi-year national living donation awareness campaign to hear stories from donors and recipients across the country. After becoming a living liver donor for her son, Stephanie was inspired to give back. With her creative marketing company, YE Agency, Stephanie collaborated with the Ajmera Transplant Centre to co-create the Great Actions Leave a Mark Campaign. To learn more about Stephanie's journey, and those of living organ donors and their recipients, visit www.greatactions.ca. Great Actions Leave a Mark is done in collaboration with YE Agency, BC Transplant and Canadian Blood Services.
CMAJ Podcast: Dr. Sarti on Family Experience in Organ Donation
The CMAJ podcast featured principle investigator Dr. Aimee Sarti to discuss the qualitative study about the experiences of family members of deceased organ donors and suggestions to improve the organ donation process. Listen to the full interview here.
A return to in-person conferences in September provided an exciting opportunity to connect and share resources at The Canadian Society of Transplantation Banff Conference and the Canadian Association of Critical Care Nurses Conference in Windsor. Thanks to those who stopped by our exhibit booths at these two exciting events.
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2022 CST Awards, Grants and Bursaries
Every year, the CST hands out numerous awards and grants to recognize achievements and research in the field of transplantation, as well as to help facilitate attendance to the annual meeting.
This year’s list of outstanding awards, grants, and bursary recipients are celebrated here on the CST website.
Seeking volunteer for CBS' research ethics board
We're seeking a volunteer ethics member to join Canadian Blood Services' Research Ethics Board (REB). The ideal candidate will contribute to the REB by identifying and advising on ethics issues using a balance of ethics theory, practice and experience. Learn more about the opportunity on blood.ca
The Chain of Life Challenge is an annual event to raise awareness for organ donation education. It takes place across Quebec and beyond in mid-October. The general public is invited to join flag bearers as they carry the Chain of Life flag to the top of regional mountains as a symbolic gesture of solidarity towards all those waiting for a transplant. This year's flag bearers are living donors. This challenge is a great way for families and friends to rally together in a physical activity to celebrate the gift of life and the healthy living. Learn more.
New #ShareTheShorts video competition
#ShareTheShorts is a competition sponsored by the Ajmera Transplant Centre to:
promote awareness of the lifesaving power of organ donation and transplantation
engage students and educators in the creation of engaging and informative content that will appeal to younger and more diverse audience
build a library of innovative short-form video content public awareness messages for participating partners, social media influencers and youth to share on social media and use during key events (eg. NOTDAW, Be A Donor Month, Living Donation Week etc.)
Young creatives are invited to submit short videos appropriate for use on TikTok, YouTube and/or other social media. The videos can range in length (from 15 seconds to 3 minutes) and there is no limit on the number of submissions per individual, class or school.
The competition is open to students ages 12-18 years in Canada & U.S. All accepted submissions will be entered into a draw for prizes for budding creators. The top submissions will be awarded up to $1,000.
Up to $30,000 available. The deadline for submissions is December 31, 2022.
We are committed to ensuring that our publications are accessible to people living with disabilities. To ensure this site meets accessibility standards, an improvement project is underway. As a result some older materials have been archived and are now available upon request. New materials will be made available in multiple formats and comply with accessibility standards. If you have questions or are seeking a report that has been archived, please contact our team at OTDT@blood.ca
Organs & Tissues for Life Education Portal |
Back to School
As the new school year is in full swing, we're excited to share three free teacher toolkits available on Orgamites.ca. From lessons plans, to presentations, to take home documents, the Orgamites provide all of the resources necessary to teach about your mighty organs, healthy living, and the Mighty Kind Movement in your home or classroom. Share and follow the Orgamites in Canada on Facebook and Instagram to learn more.
Let the teachers in your life know about the Organs & Tissues for Life education portal (K-12). Find high-quality, grade-appropriate resources to help students learn about human organ systems, healthy living, social responsibility and giving back to their community.
We’re looking for Teacher and Parent Champions to help review and develop resources and spread the word among school and learning communities. Let us know if you want to be involved or send an interested parent or teacher our way. Send us an email at OTDT@blood.ca.
