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August 11, 2006

Dave Druker
Elizabeth Kaufman

Jesse White New Donor Registry Signs up Millionth Participant

SPRINGFIELD — Secretary of State Jesse White announced that the new organ and tissue donor registry has signed up its millionth participant following a new law that took effect January 1st aimed at saving more lives.

The new registry ensures that a person's decision to donate organs and tissue following death will be carried out. Previously, the decision was not legally binding and remained with the person's family. Because of that, nearly 20 percent of consenting donors had their decision overturned, according to Gift of Hope.

"I commend the citizens of Illinois for making the effort to become an organ and tissue donors," White said, adding that only takes a minute to sign up. "By ensuring the donor's wishes are honored, we are saving over 100 lives each year."

Donors who registered before Jan. 1, 2006, still need to re-register with the Secretary of State's office to ensure their wishes are honored. Currently, six million people, the largest in the country, are registered with the old system.

Illinoisans can register to become organ and tissue donors by clicking on www.LifeGoesOn.com, by visiting any Illinois state driver's license facility, or by calling the Illinois Secretary of State Organ/Tissue Donor Program at 1-800-210-2106.

"I believe that getting the word out across the state helped us to increase participation in program," White said.

During April, which was Donate Life Month, White attended press conferences and donor drives throughout the state to encourage people to sign up for the new registry. Television and radio ads, featuring seven Illinoisans waiting for transplants, aired in cities and towns across the state.