Organ donations overall rose 23% over the last decade in Canada, while donations from those who’ve died increased 29%.

Ontario’s among four provinces leading the way, but Canada still lags behind countries like the U.S. and Spain, where deceased donation rates exceed 30 donors per million population.

Currently, Canada’s rate is 18 donors per million population. 

According to a just released report from Canadian Blood Services, there are still 4,600 patients in Canada still anxiously waiting for the life-saving or life-improving gift.

CEO Dr. Graham Sher says the reports enabled CBS to learn from provinces where there’s been significant growth.

”They’ve created this culture and awareness of the importance of speaking to families, ensuring a donation opportunity is not lost and then ensuring that the organs are procured and made available to patients needing them.”

A medical adviser to Canadian Blood Services says Spain fostered a culture of donation over three decades while Canada’s now embarking on creating one.