Government set to provide funding to help Australians better understand organ donation

The Australian government is set to roll out a Community Awareness initiative to help the wider population better understand the issues surrounding organ donation.

The Organ and Tissue Authority (OTA) was set up in 2009 as a way for the government to better manage organ donors - and their specific wishes - across the country. This latest announcement will see over $462,000 provided to over 22 organisations which have the remit of increasing interest and helping Australians better understand what it means to become an organ donor.

Organ donation is a vital issue

"This is a subject many people avoid; yet it is vital because in Australia families are asked to support the donation decision of their loved one before donation for transplantation can proceed," explained Assistant Minster for Health, Fiona Nash.

"Over the coming months, a mix of innovative community-based activities will highlight the importance of Australian families discussing and knowing each other's donation decision, including events during DonateLife Week 2015 (Sunday 2 - Sunday 9 August, 2015)," Minister Nash continued.

DonateLife Week

The DonateLife Week in 2015 is a further government-backed scheme aimed to make it easy for families to talk about organ donation. Ultimately preferences which are centred on organ donation could save lives further down the line, only highlighting how important this issue can be.

According to statistics collated by DonateLife, one person's decision to become an organ and tissue donor can help 10 others in the future.

Furthermore, In 2013, Australia reached the highest level of organ donation and transplantation across the country since national records began.

The first week in August this year will see a whole host of community events take place right across the country. Twin these with the ongoing government financial commitment and awareness of organ donation effectiveness could soon be at new highs.

Complex treatments which require organ donation can often have longer waiting times in public hospitals. Whilst private health insurance can't offer less of a wait to gain access to an organ for transplant, choosing the right policy can be crucial in making sure that you're treated as swiftly as possible - away from the public system - when an applicable one does become available.

Finding the right health fund which perfectly suits your needs doesn't have to be a drawn out process. For impartial, expert advice from people you can trust, call HICA on 1300 44 22 01 the next time you want to take out, amend or renew a health insurance policy.