Burnaby –The BC Association of Chiefs of Police supports The Kidney Foundation of Canada, BC & Yukon Branch in a special campaign to help save the lives of those waiting for an organ transplant.
Right now there are almost 600 people in BC waiting for a life saving organ transplant, and almost 500 of those are waiting for a kidney. Thousands more are on dialysis and may also need a transplant. Sadly many of these people will die waiting. There is no cure for kidney disease but a transplant can offer a better quality of life.
“Given these sobering statistics it makes sense that the police be part of the organ donation solution both for the health and wellness of the business and the community at large” says Chief Constable, Chris Rattenbury, Port Moody Police Department. “I was very surprised to learn that within the police force in BC alone it’s estimated 875 Police Officers have kidney disease and more than 90% of them just don’t know it yet.”
As part of National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness week, The Kidney Foundation has launched an innovative organ donation campaign, “Heroes aren’t born, they’re registered.” at kidney.bc.ca. Through 9 easy steps, this campaign aims to help organizations like the BC Association of Chiefs of Police raise awareness about the seriousness of kidney disease and encourage organ donor registration – whether yes or no – amongst their police officers and the communities they serve.
“Right now we know that 95% of British Columbians say they support organ donation but only 20% have actually registered on BC’s organ donor registry,” says Karen Philp, Executive Director, The Kidney Foundation of Canada, BC & Yukon Branch. “We need to change this story which is why The Kidney Foundation of Canada has committed to a goal to increase organ donor registration and kidney transplants by 50% over the next 5 years and we’re so thankful to have community leaders like BC Chiefs of Police supporting us on our journey”.
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Deborah Tucker
Director of Communications & Marketing
The Kidney Foundation of Canada, BC & Yukon Branch
Ph: 604-736-9775 ext 230