Tissue and Organ Donation Resources

Did you know?

You are six times more likely to need a transplant than you are to become an organ donor.

Quick Facts

One organ donor can save up to eight lives and one tissue donor can enhance the lives of 75 people.
In Saskatchewan, about 50-60 people are waiting for a kidney transplant and more than 130 are waiting for a cornea transplant.
In 2017, there were 17 multi-organ donors and 39 cornea donors in our province; 33 people received a kidney transplant; and 43 cornea transplants were performed.
Saskatchewan's rate of organ donation from deceased donors was 14.6 donors per million population in 2017. This rate has improved from 12.2 deceased donors per million population in 2016.
Canada's organ donation rate was 20.9 deceased donors per million in 2016 (most recent data available).
The first transplant in Saskatchewan, a kidney, took place just over 50 years ago on December 10, 1963, and over 800 kidney transplants have been performed in our province since.
Saskatchewan has the largest surgical bone donation program in Canada. Most donated bone comes from hip replacement surgery and is used in many surgical procedures that require bone grafts.
Age doesn't matter: Canada's oldest organ donor was over 90 years old.
Donation will be considered only after every effort has been made to save your life.
Even if you have an orange donor sticker on your health card, the most important thing you can do is talk to your family and let them know your wishes. Organ and tissue donation is only possible with the consent of your next of kin.

Myths

Unsure about organ and tissue donation? Don’t let misinformation keep you from offering hope. Please read and/or download the organ and tissue donation myths and facts sheet to learn the answers to some common myths.

SHA Organ and Tissue Donation- Deceased Donor Policy and Deceased Donor Procedure

Effective November 12, 2024 the SHA published Deceased Donor Policy SHA-08-012 and Deceased Donor Procedure SHA-08-012P1

The policy and procedure detail the referral process and how to contact a donor coordinator in your respective area. Anyone in the circle of care is able to make a referral to the donation program if they feel as if someone meets criteria utilizing the policy and procedure. When calling a donor coordinator you will need to speak with either Saskatoon or Regina switchboard. Please ask to speak to the donor coordinator on call.

Saskatoon switchboard 306-655-8000

Regina switchboard 306-766-4444