"I AM AN ORGAN DONOR" CAMPAIGN, AN INTERVENTION BY IFMSA BRAZIL AT NATAL, RIO GRANDE DO NORTE STATE

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Scientific advances have made possible to transplant organs and tissues into patients with terminal or chronically hindering organic insufficiencies. The demands for transplantation are always expanding, in contrast to the low number of donations, which is justified by the potential donor’s family often forbidding the donor’s will to come true because it is usually unknown by them. This abstract aims to report the experience by medical students, IFMSA Brazil local officers, participating on a campaign for demystifying and raising awareness for organ donation. METHODS: Medical students first attended a lecture on the subject. Then, the campaign took place in front of a shopping mall in order to approach pedestrians and assess their perception of the organ donation process and the importance of being aware of the deceased’s wish to be a donor. Afterwards, they were invited to take pictures with a sign stating “I am an organ donor” on a customized cabin, which had illustrations of all the organs that can be donated, in order to upload on social media and publicly state their wish on being donors. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The campaign was able to clear the passersby’s questions about organ donation and it was a valid experience for the students which strengthened their knowledge. It was evident there is a need to discuss the subject, especially in family environment. This is important as “when people are well-informed, they are capable of advocating for discussion on the subject, promoting donation.” (MORAIS, MORAIS, 2012)