Maximizing Your Outreach Potential Melissa Culver Family Services Specialist UNOS Region 5 Collaborative – OPO breakout March 18 th, 2015
Utilizing Volunteers Volunteers: donor families and recipients » Able to connect with community better with first-hand stories » Represent DonateLife California by participating in marathons and heart walks. » Speak at education conferences and community outreach events » Minority groups in the community are able to relate
Volunteer Donor/Recipient Families
High School Education Program
High School Education Each year thousands of California high school students apply for their first drivers license They are presented with the opportunity to join the Donate Life California Organ and Tissue Donor Registry Many students are unaware of what being a donor means Providing information to students prior to going to the DMV allows them to make an informed decision
High School Education In last 4 years we have educated over 24,000 High School Students We currently work with 69 High Schools so far in our DSA, over half of San Diego High Schools Educators consist of a trained Lifesharing staff member and a volunteer
High School Education Students love the program Myths are addressed Questions answered We discuss importance of being registered Encourage students to discuss their wishes with their parents
High School Education Learning the facts about donation can encourage students to share their decision with their family and friends By educating younger generations you are not only educating the students themselves you are educating all those around them These students will take the information gained, educate their family and friends and help them make an informed decision Lance » A student at one of our presentations, came home and told his mother “if anything happens to me I would like to be a donor” 3 weeks later he sustained a head injury while skateboarding. Easy decision for his mother because she knew what he wanted
Lifesharing Organ Donors on Registry Data Source: Transplanz Database
Thank You