Register To Be An Organ Donor In Nb

Becoming an organ donor in New Brunswick is a simple and impactful way to make a difference in someone’s life. The process is straightforward and can be completed online. In New Brunswick, you can donate several organs and tissues, including eyes, bones, tendons, and corneas.

First, register online at the New Brunswick Medicare website. Once you complete the registration form, you will receive a confirmation email, and an organ donor card will be mailed to you. Make sure to carry this card with you at all times, as it serves as proof of your wishes to donate your organs in the event of your death.

Second, discuss your decision with your family and loved ones. This helps ensure that your wishes are respected and that your family understands your decision.

Finally, update your registration if you change your mind, move, or change your contact information.

It is important to note that registering to be an organ donor is an indication of your intent to donate and not consent. While in most cases, families honour their loved ones' decision to donate if they have evidence that it’s what they wanted, the legal next-of-kin has the final decision.

Register online at the New Brunswick Medicare website

Registering online at the New Brunswick Medicare website is the first step in becoming an organ donor in New Brunswick. This process is simple and straightforward and can be completed in a few easy steps.

To begin, visit the New Brunswick Medicare website at www.gnb.ca/Medicare. Here, you will find the organ donor registration form, which you can fill out to indicate your intent to become an organ donor. This form will ask for your personal information, including your name, date of birth, and address. It is important to provide accurate and up-to-date information to ensure that your registration is valid and can be easily located if needed.

Once you have completed the registration form, you will receive a confirmation email. This email serves as verification of your registration and provides you with important information about your decision to become an organ donor. It is a good idea to keep this email for your records.

Following your online registration, you will receive an organ donor card in the mail. This card is an important physical representation of your decision to become an organ donor and should be carried with you at all times. The card serves as proof of your wishes to donate your organs in the event of your death, so it is crucial to have it on hand.

While registering online is the first step, there are additional steps to ensure that your wishes are respected and carried out. It is essential to discuss your decision with your family and loved ones. They should be made aware of your intent to donate your organs and understand the importance of this decision. By involving your family, you increase the likelihood that your wishes will be honoured, and it also allows them to provide support and understanding.

Additionally, remember that you can update your registration at any time. If you change your mind about organ donation or if your contact information changes, you can easily modify your registration. This flexibility ensures that you remain in control of your decision and can make adjustments as needed.

In conclusion, registering online at the New Brunswick Medicare website is a crucial step in becoming an organ donor in New Brunswick. It is a simple and impactful way to make a difference and potentially save lives. By taking the time to complete the registration form and carrying your donor card, you are demonstrating your commitment to helping others through organ donation.

Carry your donor card at all times

After registering to become an organ donor, you will receive an organ donor card in the mail. This card is an important piece of physical proof of your wishes to donate your organs in the event of your death. It is important to carry this card with you at all times, as you never know when something unexpected might happen. By having your donor card with you, you are ensuring that your wishes are respected and that there is no confusion about your decision to donate your organs.

The donor card also serves as a reminder of your commitment to helping others, even after your death. It is a symbol of your selflessness and generosity, and it can be a source of comfort and pride for you and your loved ones. Carrying the card can also help to start conversations about organ donation with others, spreading awareness and potentially inspiring more people to register as donors.

It is worth noting that the donor card is not a legal consent form. In the event of your death, your family or legal next-of-kin will be contacted to confirm your wishes and provide their consent. However, having the donor card makes it easier for your family to honour your decision, as it provides clear evidence of your intentions.

In addition to carrying your donor card, it is essential to keep your registration information up to date. If you move or change your contact details, be sure to update your registration so that you can be reached in case your organs are needed. You can also update your registration at any time if you change your mind about organ donation or your circumstances change.

Remember, organ donation is a life-saving gift. By carrying your donor card, you are not just making a statement about your own wishes, but also spreading awareness and potentially encouraging others to register as donors. This simple act can help increase the number of available organs for transplant and save more lives.

Discuss your decision with your family

While registering your intent to donate is an important step, it is not the same as consent. Even if you have signed up to be an organ donor, it is still important to talk to your family about your wishes. This is because, in the event of your death, your family will be asked to confirm your wishes, and the legal next-of-kin will have the final decision.

By discussing your wishes with your family, you can ensure that your intentions are respected and that your family understands your decision. This conversation can also help your family feel more comfortable with your decision and provide them with the information they need to make an informed choice.

It is natural to feel nervous about discussing organ donation with your family, but it is a important conversation to have. You can start by explaining your reasons for wanting to be an organ donor and answering any questions or concerns they may have. You can also emphasize the positive impact that organ donation can have, such as saving lives and improving the lives of those in need.

Additionally, it is important to remember that anyone can be a potential organ donor, regardless of age, ethnicity, or medical history. Trained health professionals will assess the suitability of organ donation on a case-by-case basis at the time of death. So, even if you have a serious illness or pre-existing condition, you can still register your intent to donate and have that discussion with your family.

Update your registration if your details change

If you change your mind about organ donation, you can update your registration at any time. You can also update your registration if you move or change your contact information.

To update your registration, you can call Service New Brunswick at 1-888-762-8600 and select "2" to request your Medicare Card be updated, or by completing a Medicare Change Request form. Your new Medicare card will clearly display a "D" to indicate you are a donor. You may change or withdraw your decision to donate at any time.

It is important to keep your registration up-to-date, as this ensures that your wishes are respected and that your family understands your decision. Additionally, by updating your registration, you can make sure that you are giving accurate information to the New Brunswick Organ and Tissue Donation Program, which is responsible for providing and coordinating organ, eye, and tissue donation and recovery services in the province.

Remember, when you register to be an organ donor, this is only an indication of your intent to donate and not consent. While most families will honour their loved one's decision to donate if they have evidence of their wishes, the legal next-of-kin has the final decision. Therefore, it is crucial to keep your registration updated and to communicate any changes to your family or loved ones.

Check your eligibility

Anyone can be an organ donor in New Brunswick, regardless of age, ethnicity, or medical history. However, some medical conditions may prevent you from being an organ donor. Your suitability for organ donation will be assessed at the time of your death by trained health professionals.

There is no age limit for organ donation, however, the current age limit for tissue donation is 75 years.

People with intellectual disabilities are exempt from organ donation. Additionally, anyone who has lived in the province for less than a year is also exempt.

If you are under the age of 19, a parent or guardian can sign on your behalf.

Frequently asked questions