Original story published 2024-09-04 09:01:43
STORY SUMMARY
Illinois is grappling with a significant decline in young organ donors, with a nearly 40% decrease observed over the past decade. In response, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has introduced the Life-saving Education and Awareness on Donation (LEAD) program aimed at reversing this trend. This initiative encourages young people to convince their peers to register as organ donors. Starting this fall, schools across Illinois will offer LEAD, allowing students to earn community service credit for their participation. Giannoulias emphasized the ease and profound impact of becoming an organ donor during a speech to high school students in Chicago, urging them to educate family and friends on the life-saving benefits of donation.
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FULL STORY
Illinois has witnessed a significant decrease of nearly 40% in young organ donors over the past decade. In response, the Secretary of State’s office has introduced an initiative aimed at persuading young individuals to encourage their peers to register as organ donors. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias revealed that Illinois experienced a considerable drop in the number of newly registered organ donors aged 16 to 21 in 2023. To address this decline, Giannoulias launched the Life-Saving Education and Awareness on Donation (LEAD) program.
The LEAD program aims to boost organ donor registrations by promoting education and awareness among high school students. Starting this fall, Illinois schools will have the option to incorporate this program, which also offers students community service credit for their involvement. The initiative underscores the ease of signing up as an organ donor, whether online or through a simple tick box while applying for a driver’s license. The Secretary of State’s office hopes that by engaging the younger demographic and their communities, the state can see a resurgence in organ donor registrations.
Speaking to a group of high school students in Chicago, Giannoulias emphasized the significant impact of organ donation. He highlighted that it is not just about fulfilling a personal duty but also about educating family members and friends. The program aspires to create a ripple effect, with students advocating for organ donation, thus making a meaningful difference in saving lives. The state’s proactive approach aims to reverse the declining trend while empowering young people to contribute to their communities in a life-changing way.
