Kicking off National Donate Life Month in April, the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office is partnering with Illinois Planetariums, in conjunction with a National campaign to sign up new organ and tissue donors.
As part of the effort, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced his office will conduct special “SuperStar” Donor Sign-up Drives on Monday, April 8, 2024, during the Great North American Solar Eclipse.
For the more than 4000 Illinoisans waiting for organ donations, donors serve as “SuperStars,” shining brightly and providing a second chance at life, said Giannoulias. His Office oversees the Illinois Organ/Tissue Donor Registry.
“A single donor can save or improve the lives of as many as 25 people in need of a transplant,” Giannoulias said. “We need more ‘SuperStars’ of all ages, ethnicities, and racial backgrounds to register and fill the critical need for organ and tissue donors. A more diverse donor pool increases the likelihood of finding suitable matches for those who wait.”
The Secretary of State is working with the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, IL, and the Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL, Planetarium on April 8. They will host special Illinois Organ/Tissue Donor Registry sign-up events during the solar eclipse.
Visits to High School Driver’s Education classes throughout the State will educate 15-and 16-year-olds about donation before receiving their Driver’s Licenses.
Any Illinoisan with a valid Illinois Driver’s License or State ID card can become a donor.
Illinois has one of the largest registries in the Nation, averaging around 20,000 sign-ups per month across DMV facilities, with around 6.5 million current registrants. Since the program’s creation, there have been 7.7 million registrations.
In 2023, there were 2259 transplants in the State. Of those who donated and were issued a State ID or Driver’s License, 75% were registered Organ Donors. Nevertheless, approximately 300 Illinoisans die each year waiting for a transplant S. ome 4000 people remain on the waiting list at any given time.
To join the millions of Illinoisans who have already signed up, individuals can visit www.LifeGoesOn.com, complete the registration card found in the donor brochure, call 800-210-2106, or visit a DMV.