New program encouraging young organ donor ambassadors in Illinois launched

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois has seen a drop in the number of young people registering to become organ donors, but the Secretary of State’s office is hoping to change that.

On Tuesday, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, whose office administers the organ tissue donor registry, announced the Lifesaving Education and Awareness on Donation program.

The LEAD program allows high school students to become ambassadors, encouraging people to join the state’s donor registry. Students can volunteer through activities like running registration tables at lunchtime or speaking at school assembly about the benefits of becoming an organ or tissue donor.

Students who complete 20 hours of community service will get a certificate from the Secretary of State’s office. They can also put those hours towards other service organizations and put it on a college or trade school application.

“We found that the more people know about organ donation, its benefits and impact on lives, the more likely they are to become donors to an understanding,” Giannoulias said. “And awareness of organ donation is vital to tackling a shortage of organ donors.”

The program is in partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education.

“Community service empowers students to make a real difference in the world around them,” State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders said. “Through this partnership with the Secretary of State, we’re enabling students to earn service hours while championing the life-saving cause of organ and tissue donation. As ambassadors, they will not only educate others but also inspire a culture of generosity and compassion that will have a lasting impact on Illinois.”

Data from Giannoulias’ office shows that over the past ten years the state has seen a 38 percent decrease in the number of new people between 16 and 21 signing up to become organ donors.
That marked a decade low when it came to new donors registered in 2023.

The state has tried to address this problem before. In 2018, Illinois passed a law allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to sign up to become organ donors.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.