Kerryn Boogaard Kerryn Boogaard
Beverly Goldsmith Beverly Goldsmith
Zoe Bingley-Pullin Zoe Bingley-Pullin

Facebook Australia users get organ donor feature:

Facebook users can link to organ donor registries and share their donor status with friends
By AAP
Date: May 08 2012
Editor Rating:
parent-checking-facebook

The new tool, which went live today, follows the introduction last week of the feature in the United States and United Kingdom where it has already sparked an increase in organ donor registrations.

The US previously averaged about 506 new registrations per day but since Facebook introduced the tool on April 30 more than 24,000 people have registered to donate their organs, according to Donate Life America.

Mia Garlick, head of policy and communications for Facebook Australia and New Zealand, said the tool was designed to get people talking to their family and friends about organ donation in a bid to increase the number of registered donors.

"All the medical experts that we talk to believe that broader awareness of organ donation can help increase organ donation rates," Ms Garlick said.

"We believe that by simply telling people that you are an organ donor, the power of sharing and connecting can really play an important role in increasing organ donation rates," she said.

Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King said it was important for families to know each other's organ and tissue donation wishes, because they would be asked about it if a family member died.

"With new research commissioned by the Organ and Tissue Authority showing that one in four Australians have never discussed their donation wishes, finding new ways to prompt the conversation is important," Ms King said in a statement.

She said the feature was designed for people to share their decision to become an organ donor and, if they hadn't already, make it official by signing up online via a link provided.

The feature allows people to share their organ donor status, the date they registered and tell their story about why they became a donor.

The information is then published to their news feed where it is visible to their selected contacts.

Users can access the feature by going to their timeline, clicking on "life event", selecting "health and wellbeing", and choosing "organ donor".

A template opens which allows users to complete additional information.

There is also a link in this box which will take users to the appropriate page on the DonateLife Australia website where users can find out how to sign up online to become organ donors.

Users will need to have the new Facebook timeline to access the feature.

Will you use the new Facebook donor feature?

Share This Tweet This Email To Friend
Recent Comments
2 Total Comments
sohail khatri says: 2020 02 19
Rating:

Even though donors do not give to gain recognition, those who admire donor gifts will be able to lend recognition and reward people for their giving spirit.

mubashir khatri says: 2020 06 14
Rating:

I’m going to read this. I’ll be sure to come back. thanks for sharing. and also This article gives the light in which we can observe the reality. this is very nice one and gives indepth information. thanks for this nice article… $9 package

View All Comments
Post a Comment
* your email address will not appear

Please enter the word you see in the image below:


Post a Comment
* your email address will not appear

Please enter the word you see in the image below:33343


Your Comment has been posted
Related Articles
916488-derryn-hinch
All Australian families must discuss organ donation to help lift…
Read more
pregnantwoman
If you live near the north shore of Sydney and…
Read more
australian-money
Private health insurance premiums will increase by an average of…
Read more
rhian-and-kai
When a woman decides to lose any pregnancy weight gain…
Read more
Cry babies

Dry your eyes!
The newest additions are on their way from the Babies who cry real tears!

Shipping-containers-freight-wallpaper-preview

Latest Tech Used In Shipping Containers
Read how the shipping industry has revolutionised

Motherpedia cover-2

Win 1 set of a 4-book hardcover illustrated boxed set
Barbara Murray’s new 4-book Sound Stories is perfect for parents and educators and could assist with NAPLAN results

Motherpedia cover (4)

Where to celebrate Oktoberfest Australia
Get ready for this celebration!

Motherpedia cover-4

A Fortnight of Foodie Experiences at East Village
A taste of East Village. What's in it for me?

Globber my too fix up cover

We Try: Globber My TOO Fix Up
A scooter that grows with your child

Throw a winning cricket pitch

3 Steps to a Winning Backyard Cricket Pitch
Ex-Adelaide Oval legend curator Les Burdett shares his tips for getting your backyard cricket pitch test match ready this summer

A bike that follows your kids life cycle - motherpedia - cover

A Bike That Follows Your Kids Life Cycle
Check out the Bunzi 2-in-1 gradual balance bike!

Moonlight lifestyle

Moonlight Cinema to bring…
Moonlight Cinema announces brand new Western Sydney venue

Screen shot 2019-11-26 at 8.29.12 am

Your Magical Christmas Wonderland…
Adventure park is about to light up the night sky with its "Christmas Festival of Lights"

Screen shot 2019-11-21 at 11.11.36 am

The Preston Market Gets…
It's time to feel pumped up for the holiday season!

Bruno-kelzer-zqzuigxcvrq-unsplash

Bunnings team members get…
Help raise funds by buying a snag or donating at your local store.