State Representative Dave Severin (IL) | Representative Dave Severin (R) 116th District
State Representative Dave Severin (IL) | Representative Dave Severin (R) 116th District
Becoming an organ and tissue donor can significantly impact lives, providing hope and improving the quality of life for many individuals in Illinois. As of November 2024, around 4,000 residents are waiting for organ transplants. By registering as a donor, one can offer them a chance at life.
Organ and tissue donation involves surgically removing organs or tissues from donors, whether living or deceased, to help those in need. Organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, and intestines can be donated along with tissues like corneas, skin, bone, heart valves, and tendons. A single donor has the potential to save up to eight lives and enhance more than 75 others through tissue donation.
There is a significant gap between those needing transplants and available organs. Nationally over 100,000 people are on the transplant waiting list; about 4,000 reside in Illinois. Each day in the U.S., 17 people die waiting for an organ transplant. This underscores the urgent need for more registered donors.
In Illinois, registering as an organ and tissue donor is straightforward with several options available. You can register online by visiting LifeGoesOn.com or in person when applying for or renewing your driver's license or state ID at any Illinois Secretary of State facility. Additionally you can call the Organ/Tissue Donor Program at 1-800-210-2106 to register by phone or mail a completed registration form obtained from the Secretary of State’s office.
Registering provides "first-person consent," meaning your decision is legally binding without requiring family authorization. Individuals aged 16 and older are eligible to register; however those under 18 will need parental consent at donation time. Health conditions do not necessarily disqualify someone from being a donor since medical professionals assess suitability during donation.
By becoming an organ and tissue donor in Illinois you make a significant difference offering hope to thousands awaiting transplants while contributing to a legacy of generosity.
"This website is a state-sponsored and funded site and as such campaign-related posts content and comments are prohibited by ethics regulations."
Copyright © 2024
Alerts Sign-up