“Organ donation is the ultimate act of selflessness and generosity,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “Living donors who choose to undergo surgery to save someone’s life, and the deceased donors and their families who make this selfless decision during their grief are profoundly inspiring. We also recognize all the incredible health care professionals who support organ donation and transplantation across our province.”
Holly Warner wasn’t surprised to find out her son was a registered organ donor. She says Benjamin was always doing thoughtful things for people. He saved three people’s lives when he passed away in August at the age of 37 .
“Benjamin always wanted to help people and I think this last act of kindness would mean a lot to him, as it does to us,” said Holly. “I want his recipients to know they carry with them a supercharged incredible organ from a remarkable superman.”
Benjamin was one of 118 deceased donors and 90 living donors who contributed to 309 kidney transplants, 92 liver transplants, 47 lung transplants, 25 heart transplants, and 13 pancreas and islet transplants (numbers include multi-organ transplants, of which there were five pancreas/kidney transplants).
Harvey Keizer received a gifted heart last March after suddenly going into heart failure nearly a year prior. The 60-year-old from Langley was on an artificial heart pump for 10 months before receiving his second chance at life.
“To my donor family, I would like to express my sincere condolences for the loss of their loved one and my appreciation for their gift,” said Harvey. “For the nurses, doctors, surgeons, technicians, social workers, pharmacists, dietitians, and everyone who supports patients and caregivers throughout the process, I can’t say enough to thank them.”
After record highs for three years, the number of deceased donors has moved towards more historic levels. BC Transplant would like to also honour the additional 44 deceased donors and their families who consented to organ donation but were unfortunately not suitable.
Many factors contribute to the success of organ donation and transplantation in the province. BC Transplant continues to invest in foundational elements such as the education of health care professionals, a robust network of in-hospital donation coordinators and wide-reaching public awareness campaigns. There were a record 1,119 referrals from hospitals and health care providers for potential donors in 2024 (compared to 989 in 2023).
“We need to be flexible and innovative to evolve and continue the important work of ensuring every family has the right to consider organ donation at the end of life,” said Dr. Sean Keenan, provincial medical director of donation services at BC Transplant. “To help normalize conversations about organ donation, we are partnering with the Canada Revenue Agency on a new public awareness initiative this spring.”
Starting in 2025, British Columbians will see a check box on their annual tax return asking if they would like to receive information about registering as an organ donor. Anyone who selects “yes” will receive an email from BC Transplant later this year with information on how to register.
British Columbians can register as an organ donor online anytime at www.registeryourdecision.ca. It takes just two minutes and all you need is your Personal Health Number. As of December 31, 2024, there are 666 people still waiting for their second chance at life.
Quick Facts:
- It takes upwards of 150 health-care professionals for one donor case, from organ recovery to transplant.
- In B.C., there were a total of 118 deceased donors and 90 living donors in 2024.
- More patients undergoing medical assistance in dying (MAiD) are considering organ donation at the end of life. There were 257 referrals from MAiD patients in 2024 compared to 81 in 2023.
- BC Transplant recently surpassed the milestone of 11,000 organ transplants in B.C. since the first transplant in the province at Vancouver General Hospital in 1968.
Learn More:
BC Transplant, a program of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), provides provincial oversight for all aspects of organ donation and transplantation in B.C. B.C.'s three transplant centres are BC Children's Hospital, St Paul's Hospital and Vancouver General Hospital. Transplant patients receive follow up care at the transplant centres or at one of eight regional clinics close to their home community. For more information, visit
www.transplant.bc.ca or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
The
Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) provides specialized
health care services and programs to communities across British Columbia, the territories of many distinct First Nations. We are grateful to all the First Nations who have cared for and nurtured this land for all time, including the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səlil̓w̓ətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations on whose unceded and ancestral territory our head office is located. We work in partnership with other B.C. health authorities and the provincial government to deliver province-wide solutions that improve the health of British Columbians. For more information, visit
www.phsa.ca or
follow us @PHSAofBC.
Media Contact:
Elaine Yong
Manager, Communications and Community Engagement
BC Transplant
604.789.0446
Elaine.yong@bct.phsa.ca
PHSA Media line: 778.867.7472
