In recognition of National Donate Life Month, the Illinois Secretary of State is calling on residents to register as organ and tissue donors. At a recent event held at the State Capitol, donor families gathered to support the initiative. The Secretary of State’s office, which manages the state’s organ donor registry, reports that Illinois boasts one of the largest registries in the nation, with over 6 million registered donors.
This extensive registry has facilitated approximately 2,000 transplants annually. However, officials emphasize the need for increased participation, stating that despite the high number of registered donors, approximately 300 Illinoisans die each year while waiting for a transplant. Currently, around 4,000 individuals are on the waiting list for organ donations, highlighting the critical need for more donors.
To promote awareness and encourage more people to sign up, the Secretary of State’s office is providing resources and information on how to become a donor. Residents can visit the WQAD website for further details on the registration process, helping to ensure that more lives can be saved through organ donation.
