 Almost a third of Scots have joined the NHS donor register |
Secondary schools in Scotland are to be offered education packs on organ donation featuring real life stories from those in need of a transplant.
The Scottish government said the scheme was aimed at raising awareness about the issue among the younger generation.
The pack, which covers science and ethics, will be used as a teaching aid.
Almost 800 people are waiting for an organ transplant in Scotland while a third of Scots have joined the NHS Donor Register.
Donor transplant coordinators will visit more than 60 schools to present the pack, originally published in 2002, and host question and answer sessions with pupils.
Launching the redesigned pack at Clydebank High School, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said that while no-one wanted to think about their own death, it was important young people learn about the realities of organ donation.
Dr Brian Keighley, chairman of the British Medical Association in Scotland, which has campaigned for a system of presumed consent for organ donations, welcomed the school packs.
He added: "The BMA has actively supported efforts to improve transplantation rates. But despite many high profile campaigns to generate an increase in the number of donors, there has been limited success.
"Between April 2004 and March 2005, 52 Scots died while they were waiting for an organ transplant, others will have died without even reaching the waiting list.
"Meanwhile, repeated studies show that over 90% of the population supports organ donation, yet only a third have signed up to the organ donor register.
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This sounds like a great idea that should be adopted in the United States.
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