Massive organ donor campaign launched

Judy Siegel-Itzkovich, THE JERUSALEM POST

Jan. 3, 2007

The nation's largest-ever organ donor campaign starts Wednesday and will
continue for the rest of the month.

Israel Transplant and ADI, the national registry of potential organ donors,
hope to significantly increase the rate of registration beyond the current seven
percent of the population. There was an 84% increase in registration in 2006,
with 341,267 listed as willing to donate organs after their deaths.

The Education Ministry has decided to encourage 200,000 11th and 12th graders
to sign up at least one person each. Education Minister Yuli Tamir sent a letter
to teachers asking for their help in the campaign.

One thousand Israeli Rotary Club volunteers have committed themselves to sign
up 10 people each for the ADI registry, whose phone number is 1-800-609-610 and
whose Web site can be viewed at www.health.gov.il/transplant/eng1.htm. Those
interested can also dial *6262 from any cellular or Bezeq phone.

The IDF is also participating, with every discharged soldier to receive a kit
with a postcard for registration with ADI.

ADI stands are being set up this month at Azrieli shopping centers around the
country. Aroma cafes will distribute a coupon providing a free cup of coffee to
whoever registers.

Israel Transplant said that in 2006, 292 organs (often more than one organ
from each deceased donor) were donated for transplant, compared to 276 in the
previous year. A total of 278 lifesaving transplants were performed in the year
just ended compared to 258 year earlier.

At present, 1,123 Israelis are waiting for an organ transplant. Of these, 35
are children.

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