Since 2002, organ and tissue donation in Ontario has been regulated through Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN). There is a provincial government mandate stating that all deaths in patients between the ages of 36 weeks (corrected gestational) and 80 years must be reported to TGLN to facilitate the opportunity for tissue donation. There is no age limit on required notifications to TGLN when it comes to organ donation - every patient in any intensive care unit or emergency department, as well as any patient in the hospital requesting Medical Assistance in Dying must be referred to TGLN prior to death. Speaking with families at end of life about organ and tissue donation is considered an essential part of quality end of life care.

One organ donor can save up to eight lives and a tissue donor can benefit up to 75 individuals. Unfortunately, only one percent of those who die in hospital end up becoming an organ donor. Currently in Ontario, there are approximately 1,500 people waiting for life-saving organ transplants. For those who are waiting for an organ transplant, this is often their only option. Sadly every three days in Ontario, someone dies while waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. While new innovations in medicine and technology are increasing the success of organ transplantation, nothing is possible without an organ donor.

If you are interested in learning more about donation, the TGLN website has lots of information, including frequently asked questions, support for donor families and statistics.