$15 Million in Funeral Grants – But Organ Donors Miss Out

***MEDIA RELEASE***

GiveLife NZ
9 April 2013

$15 Million in Funeral Grants – But Organ Donors Miss Out.

Figures released under the Official Information Act show that the government gave out over $15 million in funeral grants last year to beneficiaries and ACC claimants.

However the government has rejected extending that payment to the families of organ donors.

Organ Donor Campaigner Andy Tookey of GiveLife NZ believes it is another kick in the teeth for organ donors and another way of keeping our donor numbers low.

“I note Australia are now introducing new initiatives to increase their organ donor rate even though their organ donor rate has risen by 43% since 2009.

They are not happy with a 43% increase, they want more.

Here in NZ we are aiming for the bottom, and getting there fast, by having just 38 donors last year. The exact same number as ten years ago.”

Mr.Tookey has been lobbying the Minister of Health for some time to have funeral grants applied to those who become organ donors.

“I believe it would raise the number of potential donors, as people would realise that it would take the financial burden off their family at an already traumatic time so they are more likely to discuss their wishes with their family up front.
around 50% of families say no to donation. More would say yes if they knew their families wishes.
Giving a funeral grant would be a catalyst for discussion within those families.”

“Even if it didn’t boost donor numbers, it is the least they could do for those people in recognition of their contribution to society in the saving of many lives, not to mention the huge financial savings they are making for the government by getting many others off expensive medical treatments.” He said.

Last week, Minister of Health, Tony Ryall rejected any incentives for organ donors saying “it would undermine the altruistic motivation of New Zealanders for organ donation.”

Mr.Tookey responded. “That’s the problem with altruistic motivation, there isn’t enough of it. Is it worth the many lives lost each year? Many countries think not as they now offer incentives.”

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