With the new year underway, the Quebec organization handling organ transplants wants to double the number of donors- something that could help you or a loved one one day.
Tranplants Quebec said there are as many as 800 Quebeckers currently waiting for an organ transplant.
The organization sees around 160 to 180 donors a year.
Transplants Quebec said they'd like to see levels approach those of countries such as Spain - around 300 a year.
"Ì think the culture of organ donations in the hospital but also in the public is getting better," said Chief Executive Officer Louis Beaulieu.
Beaulieu said they're ramping up public awareness campaigns and creating a data base of performance indicators in hospitals to i.d.potential donors and improve measures.
"You get to the hospital with a massive stroke or head trauma after a big accident and then you may be considered a donor. So it's very important to have education of professional transmission of best practices," said Beaulieu in an interview with CJAD 800 News.
Beaulieu said it's also important to plan ahead when it comes to wills, signing that organ donation registry and having that important discussion with your family that can help save a life.
"That can make a very important difference for many citizens," said Beaulieu.