UF PRSSA does nonprofit PR with UF Donate Life

By Savanna Wood, UF PRSSA member

UF Donate Life is a college branch of the statewide nonprofit organization Donate Life Florida, which aims to saving and enhancing lives through the promotion of organ and tissue donation. The main purpose of the UF organization is to encourage UF students and Gainesville residents to sign up for the online organ and tissue registry. UF PRSSA's University Service Committee provides UF Donate Life with its public relations and communications services.

The committee plans and executes a yearlong campaign with the organization in oder to achieve its purpose. Members who are a part of the committee draft press releases, compile media kits and launch grassroots marketing campaigns for UF Donate Life on campus.

According to Donate Life Florida, there are roughly 7 million registrants as of October 2013. More than 4,500 Florida residents need organ transplants. No one is ever too old to sign up to be a donor, and every registrant can make a difference. Someone loses a loved one every day because of the organ and tissue shortage, but the passing of an organ donor can bring a positive light by saving the life of someone in need of a transplant. UF PRSSA and UF Donate Life are helping to make a difference.

UF PRSSA University Service Directory Barbara Dimajo oversees the committee and works exclusively with UF Donate Life to help expand the organization. Her committee helps with branding and events around campus.

“This year we have set a goal of 100 organ donor sign-ups each semester,” said Dimajo.

This goal is higher than last year’s, but Dimajo is confident in her team’s abilities.  The committee also helps in the planning of UF Donate Life’s most important event at the end of the year.

The biggest event UF Donate Life puts on every year is Life-A-Palooza, which takes place in April during Organ Donor Awareness Month, is a night filled with food, giveaways and musical performances. Dimajo said the organization also brings in speakers ranging from organ recipients, to organ donors’ families and others who fight for the cause.

Being involved with UF Donate Life can be very beneficial. Dimajo said that working in public service public relations, like she does with UF Donate Life, is a great way to help prepare her to work in the government sector after graduation.

Visit Donate Life Florida to register as an organ donor. When asked how you learned of the organization, please make sure to choose “College Campaign” and then “UF” from the drop-down menu.

For more information on UF Donate Life and how to join the University Service Committee, please email Barbara Dimajo at bdimajo.prssa@gmail.com.