Centenary SHS students opt-in for organ donations

WHEN Madeline Capel and Izzy Bishell learned about the need for organ donation in Australia, they realised something had to be done.

More than 1600 people are currently on the Australian organ transplant waiting lists, with the nation having one of the lowest donation rates in the developed world.

The Centenary High School students are now on a mission to raise awareness about the issue.

"It was shocking to learn how low the number of donors are in this country," Miss Bishell said.

"Not many people are even aware of the issue."

The 17-year-old said Queensland currently had an opt-in organ donation system in which individuals had to sign up to become a donor before their death.

She prefers an opt-out system - which presumes all people consent to have their organs used for transplant unless requested otherwise.

Both Year 12 students have already begun their campaign by setting up social media sites and interacting with the community.

Miss Capel said their next initiative would be setting up an information stall during the Opti-Minds Challenge final that will be held at the school this Sunday.

More than 1500 people are expected to attend the event.

Miss Capel said it was a perfect opportunity to get the word out about organ donations to a large audience.

"Our stall aims to encourage people to discuss organ and tissue donation with their families," she said.

"Which should help them make an informed decision to either say yes or no to becoming a donor."

Although they are too young to legally become organ and tissue donors, both girls have registered an 'intent to be a donor' with the Australian Organ Donor Register.

For more information or to register online visit www.donatelife.gov.au or www.facebook.com/registeryourwishes.