BC Transplant reports lowest number of organ transplants in Northern Health region since 2016

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Twenty people living in the Northern Health coverage area provided organ transplants in 2024, according to the Provincial Health Services Authority’s (PHSA) BC Transplant program.

That’s a decline from the 27 people in the area who provided transplants in 2023 and the lowest number in the region since 2016.

Reportedly, 481 people in BC received a life-saving organ transplant in 2024, thanks to the contributions of 118 deceased donors and 90 living donors.

There are now 6,318 people living in BC who have received an organ transplant and are receiving follow-up care.

The number of deceased donors who provided organs last year is closer to historic levels, according to the program, after what it calls “record high” donations from deceased donors in the last three years.

Six deceased donors in the Northern Health coverage area provided transplants for patients in 2024.

A record number of referrals for organ transplants took place in the province in 2024, with 1,119 referrals reported compared to 989 the year before.

BC Transplant also says there’s been a significant increase in the number of people undergoing medical assistance in dying (MAiD) considering organ donation. 

There were reportedly 257 referrals from MAiD patients in 2024, up from just 81 in 2023.

“Organ donation is the ultimate act of selflessness and generosity,” said Josie Osborne, minister of health. 

“Living donors who choose to undergo surgery to save someone’s life, and the deceased donors and their families who make this selfless decision during their grief, are profoundly inspiring. We also recognize all the incredible healthcare professionals who support organ donation and transplantation across our province.”

Dr. Sean Keenan, the program’s provincial medical director of donation services, says doctors need to continue the “important work” of ensuring all families have the right to consider organ donation at the end of a loved one’s life.

“To help normalize conversations about organ donation, we are partnering with the Canada Revenue Agency on a new public awareness initiative this spring,” Keenan says.

The initiative will see a new checkbox on BC residents’ 2024 tax returns, asking if they would like to receive information on becoming an organ donor.

Residents who check that box will reportedly receive an email from BC Transplant later in 2025 with registration details.

Anyone interested in learning more or registering to become a donor themselves can visit BC Transplant’s registration website.