The Illinois Life Goes On organ donor program is run by the Secretary of State’s office and encourages people of all ages to sign up to be organ donors if they have their driver’s license. Recently, the Secretary of State’s office has partnered with the Illinois Board of Education to encourage specifically teens to become organ and tissue donors by establishing the Lifesaving Education and Awareness on Donation (LEAD) program.
According to the U.S. Government’s Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), donors can save eight lives with an organ donation and improve 75 with a tissue donation. According to Life Goes On, 22 people die every day because they do not get the donations they need in time.
“You can be that person for that family that’s like, I’m going to lose my kid or my husband or wife, and you’re giving them that chance to live,” junior Audrey McLean said.
Illinois is seeing a decrease in the number of teens signing up for the program, exasperating the problem. In the past decade, there has been a 38% decrease in people ages 16-21 becoming donors, according to the Secretary of State office. This comes even after a law passed in 2018 allowed teens ages 16 and 17 to participate.
“I think it helps create a sense of society if everyone is willing to help everyone,” McLean said.
To increase the number of teen organ donors, the Illinois Secretary of State office and the Illinois Board of Education are teaming up to encourage teens to become donors through schools.
High schools now have the option to take part in the Lifesaving Education and Awareness on Donation (LEAD) program. Participating schools must designate a faculty member to help students who are interested in the program. Students can earn community service hours, and once completing at least 20 hours of the approved activities, they get a certificate from the Secretary of State’s office. Activities include planting a tree in honor of a donor, providing a message about donation at a church or place of faith, creating a donor-themed float for a parade, and many more. Being a part of this program is good for students to bring up resumes and applications.
Currently, Metea does not participate in the program.
“I think it’s definitely something we could promote,” PE, health, and driver’s education department head Craig Tomczak said.
Generally, organ donation is something only talked about in driver’s education. However, it is something that teachers are considering promoting more in class.
“I definitely think, as part of the driver’s education program, we can consider doing the entire program, just have more of a point of emphasis or certain units about it,” Tomczak said. He also believes that because renewing your license online and getting it through the mail is so common now, people tend to forget about signing up.
Advocating for teens to become donors is just one reason why the Secretary of State is working so hard to promote the LEAD program. This program not only encourages teens to become organ donors, but it also encourages them to be community leaders and participate in something bigger than themselves.
“The LEAD ambassador program empowers the next generation of leaders to demonstrate their advocacy and communication skills while educating others about the lifesaving benefits of organ donation,” Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said through an email.
“I encourage Metea Valley High School students to think outside the box and find creative ways to spread the word about organ and tissue donation to their family, classmates, and community,” Giannoulias said.
All organ donors have a small, red logo in the shape of Illinois with the word “donor” inside on their driver’s license. Those who are currently not donors but would like to become one can sign up while getting their license at their local DMV. People who already have a license can either sign up online at ilsos.gov (Illinois Organ/Tissue Donor Registry) or by calling (800) 210-2106.
Those interested in learning more about the Lifesaving Education and Awareness on Donation (LEAD) program can visit LifeGoesOn.com or call (800) 210-2106.
