Among the most exciting of SCOPC’s public education and communications programs is Discoveries, an innovative classroom program that teaches young people in grades 6 through 12 about scientific advances in the field of organ transplantation and donation, as well as the life-saving importance of both.

Since Discoveries was first implemented in 1993, thousands of junior and senior high school students in Southern California have had the opportunity to learn from trained teachers and hear from members of donor families and transplant patients just what donation and transplantation can mean to them and their families.

Discoveries provides a unique experience, and students come away with a positive awareness that forms the basis of a lifelong healthy attitude toward donation and transplantation. Just as important, students are encouraged to discuss organ donation and transplantation with their families, thereby broadening the reach and impact of the program, as well as encouraging the type of family dialogue that is critical to the decision-making process.

Discoveries complements and enhances existing school curriculum. It uses an interactive teaching approach, so that students are actively involved in the learning process through lively discussion and role playing, videos, student hand outs and follow-up activities. Teacher training and instruction materials are also provided as part of the program, which is under the direction of Gloria Garcia Bohrer, SCOPC’s director of public affairs and education. Discoveries is particularly beneficial in reaching minority students and their families.

Prior to the program, students complete a pre-assessment survey to ascertain their knowledge, understanding and attitudes regarding organ and tissue transplantation and donation. A post evaluation clearly demonstrates that Discoveries has been effective in creating an understanding of organ and tissue transplantation and donation among students, and in facilitating communications with their family members.

These follow-up activities indicate that goals of the Discoveries program are consistently being met. We know from pre-assessments surveys and post program evaluations that students have (1) gained significantly in their knowledge and understanding of organ and tissue transplantation and donation; (2) that they have engaged in discussions with their families; and (3) that they have either made a personal decision about donation or are thinking about it based on the information they have gained from the program. Additionally, many students request information about career opportunities in the field.

INFORMAITON ABOUT THE DISCOVERIES PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE BY CALLING GLORIA BOHRER AT SCOPC (714) 480-1040.