SPRINGFIELD, ILL. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Illinois’ organ and tissue donor registry has hit a milestone.
Seven million people have signed up to donate organs, according to the Secretary of State’s office, which runs the registry.
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White credits 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds with helping as 100,000 of them have signed up since a change in state law made them eligible in 2018.
White's office said about 65% of the 10 million Illinoisans who can sign up have registered to become donors.
The federal government said transplants are still going on in the pandemic but programs should weigh the risks and not accept organs from COVID-19-positive patients.
You can join by filling out the form online, over the phone or at a Secretary of State driver's license facility.
The agency said your registration is legally binding and no longer requires the consent of family members.