Information evening on the subject of organ donation

The project "Generation engagiert", EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt and the volunteer agency of the city of Bocholt invite you to an informative evening entitled "Organ Donation - Your Decision Counts". On Wednesday, 25 February 2026, experts and those affected will shed light on medical backgrounds and personal experiences from 6 p.m. at LernWerk. The aim of the event is to provide open information on the topic and create space for citizens to ask questions.

Over 8,000 people in Germany are waiting for a life-saving organ, which is why the need for information remains high. In the LernWerk event room at Industriestrasse 1, key issues will be discussed on this evening, including the safety of brain death diagnostics and the processes behind the scenes of a transplant. The European perspective on the topic will also be examined. In order to provide a comprehensive insight, Christian Brandtner, a speaker from the German Foundation for Organ Transplantation (DSO), and general practitioner Dr Andrea Borckink-Ailene will report from their professional practice. They will be on hand to answer questions honestly and break down taboos. The medical perspective will be complemented by a personal experience report from Thomas Boland, who, as the recipient of a donor organ, will provide authentic insights into life before and after a transplant.

The initiative for this evening came from a young team from the "Generation engagiert" project. The young adults chose the topic themselves, organised the event and will also moderate it. Their aim is to dispel uncertainty among the population and promote an objective dialogue. The project, which is funded by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, is supported by EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt and the city's volunteer agency.

The event will take place in a relaxed atmosphere, with free snacks and drinks provided. Interested citizens are asked to register in advance. This can be done online via the link anny.eu/book/organ-donation-your-decision-pays. Alternatively, Sonja Wießmeier(europe-direct(at)bocholt(dot)de / Tel.: 02871 9531287) from EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt and Francis Heitkötter(ehrenamt(at)bocholt(dot)de / Tel.: 02871 9532346) from the volunteer agency are available by telephone or email for registrations and queries.