Five Points of Life raises awareness for the five ways to share life with others through the donation of blood, apheresis, marrow, cord blood, organ and tissue. The program works with blood centers, organ procurement organizations, marrow registries and community organizations to educate citizens about donation. The goal of the program is to encourage every eligible donor to give blood, join the marrow registry, talk to their family about organ donation and learn more about cord blood donation. In addition, the program strives to educate youth on the importance of donation so when they are eligible, they will donate and become the “Donation Generation.”

The Five Points of Life focuses on the following projects aimed at raising awareness.

• Five Points of Life Educational Curriculum: This project will be developed this year and includes an instructional notebook and DVD aimed at elementary, middle school and high school students. The curriculum materials can be taught during one class period by volunteers from the community, the local blood blank and/or donor organization. When funds are available, a bus will be transformed into a mobile education unit aimed at educating students during the school year, scouts in communities and campers during the summer about donation in our effort to create a “Donation Generation.” The Kids Marathon will tie into the curriculum at the elementary and middle school levels.
• Races: Race Weekend in Gainesville, Florida which includes a Kids Marathon, 5 Points 5K, Half and Full Marathon.
• Kids Marathons: Kids run 25 miles in the school year logging each mile incrementally. They run the last 1.2 miles at the Kids Marathon event.
• Five Points of Life website: Easy to access information on donation including blogs, videos, forums, chat room, activities to tie into educational curriculum, up to date information on donation in layman’s terms and area for giving.