Young People To Learn About The Power Of Giving

Main Category: Transplants / Organ Donations
Also Included In: Blood / Hematology
Article Date: 30 Sep 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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Students in classrooms across the UK will be able to learn about the dramatic effects of blood, organ, bone marrow and tissue donation and how they, too, can become lifesavers by choosing to donate, thanks to 'Give and Let Live', a free education pack issued by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT).

The teaching resource is aimed primarily at 14 to16 year old students but can be adapted for younger pupils, or 6 th formers. It contains a teachers' booklet containing lesson plans, case studies and background information about the need for more donors. Give and Let Live also includes an interactive website that features games, quizzes, factsheets and short films that engage and stimulate debate.

The pack is dedicated to the memory of Jeanette Crizzle, a teacher who died while in need a bone marrow transplant, and the revised version comes out shortly after the death of Adrian 'Sudders' Sudbury, a journalist who campaigned for increased awareness of donation among young people particularly in the 17-18 year old age group.

Last year's edition of the pack was requested by over 1,800 (35%) secondary schools in the UK. Building on positive feedback from teachers , new modules have been added that will help deliver aspects of the Science, RE, PSHE/PSD & Citizenship curricula.

Dr Lorna Williamson, Medical Director NHSBT, said: " We are delighted to launch this pack for schools and colleges which gives young people a real insight into how donation of blood, tissues, bone marrow and organs really does save and improve lives. This will allow them to make informed choices about becoming a donor.

"The NHS needs 8,000 blood donations every day, while over 1,000 people die every year for lack of donated organ. We have worked with education experts to make sure that the material links well to subject curricula, and we hope that even more schools will take it up. "

An information leaflet on the pack and website and how to order the teachers' booklet is being sent to schools over the next few weeks.

The aims of the pack are to:

- Enable young people to see how they can make a difference to people's lives;
- Raise awareness about donation and the ethics surrounding this area;
- Help young people decide whether donation is something they want to do;
- Give a scientific grounding in how blood, organ and bone marrow donation works.

It can be used to teach students about :

- Their rights and responsibilities as potential donors or recipients of donation;
- The values and ethics associated with different major UK religions on the issue of organ donation and transplantation;
- The benefits, drawbacks and risks attached to scientific and technological developments;
- The range of medical treatments, environmental and inherited factors that can affect health.

Notes

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is a Special Health Authority within the NHS responsible for optimising the supply of blood, organs, plasma and tissues and raising the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of blood and transplant services.

The first edition of the Give and Let Live pack was launched in Autumn 2007.

Someone can start giving blood when they reach 17 years old. As long as they are generally fit and healthy and weigh over 50kg (7st 12lbs) they should be able to give.

Bone marrow donation is possible at 18 years old.

There are no age restrictions on joining the NHS Organ Donor Register as a potential donor. Those who agree with donation are encouraged to discuss their wishes with the people closest to them. Children are urged to discuss their decision with their parents or guardian.

Give and Let Live