What’s Good in Niagara? Local health expert sings praises of organ donation

As Be a Donor month continues, Niagara Health is urging more and more people to register themselves to be a donor.

The topic of organ donation can be one that’s uncomfortable to some, but can be lifesaving to others.

Dr. Hari Vasan, who acts as a liaison between Niagara Health and Trillium Gift of Life, says organ donation is something very near and dear to him and his family.

The constant worry and dealing with dialysis all came to a halt one day, when Dr. Vasan says his family got a call.

Through the donation, Dr. Vasan says he was able to get valuable time with his father for years to come.

To this day, Dr. Vasan says the importance of his dad receiving a donation has played a role in him pursuing a career in healthcare, where he now serves as a physician for Niagara Health.

In Ontario, there are nearly 1500 people waiting on an organ transplant, while on 35% of residents in the province are registered as a donor. Since 2003, nearly 25,000 people has received a lifesaving organ transplant.

To register to become a donor, you can visit BeADonor.ca and be registered in less than two minutes.

(Written by: Matt Latour)