South West Illinois News

Becoming an organ and tissue donor can significantly impact lives in Illinois, where approximately 4,000 residents are currently waiting for organ transplants. By registering as a donor, individuals have the potential to save lives and improve the quality of life for many others.

Organ and tissue donation involves surgically removing organs or tissues from a living or deceased donor to transplant into someone in need. Vital organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, and intestines can be donated. Tissues like corneas, skin, bone, heart valves, and tendons are also eligible for donation. A single donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of more than 75 others through tissue donation.

The gap between those needing transplants and available donated organs remains significant. Nationally, over 100,000 people are on the transplant waiting list; about 4,000 of them reside in Illinois. Each day in the U.S., 17 people die while waiting for an organ transplant. This highlights the urgent need for more registered donors.

In Illinois, registering as an organ and tissue donor is straightforward with several options available. Registration can be done online at LifeGoesOn.com or in person when applying for or renewing a driver's license or state ID at any Illinois Secretary of State facility. Donor status will then be noted on your license or ID card. Additionally, registration is possible by calling the Illinois Secretary of State’s Organ/Tissue Donor Program at 1-800-210-2106 or by mailing a completed registration form obtained from the Secretary of State’s office.

Registering as an organ and tissue donor in Illinois provides "first-person consent," meaning that your decision is legally binding without requiring additional family authorization. Individuals aged 16 and older are eligible to register; however, those under 18 will need parental consent at the time of donation. Health conditions do not necessarily disqualify someone from being a donor; medical professionals assess suitability at the time of donation.

By choosing to become an organ and tissue donor in Illinois, individuals offer hope to thousands awaiting transplants and contribute to a legacy of life and generosity.