SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois Secretary of State's office launched a new organ donation education and awareness campaign Tuesday, as Alexi Giannoulias hopes to see more young people sign up to help those most in need.

There are currently 6 million Illinoisans registered to be organ donors. However, Giannoulias told reporters he is determined to get more young people involved.

"There are very few things that you can do in life and in government that can truly save lives," Giannoulias said. "This is one of them. Alone, one single donor can save up to 25 lives."

Giannoulias said young people rank among the least inclined to become donors despite information online and across social media.

"In fact, 2023 marked the lowest number of signups for Illinoisans age 16-21 during the past 10 years. That's a 38% decline from a decade ago," Giannoulias explained. "The LEAD ambassador program aims to reverse this trend and build on the success of Brittany Payton's Youth for Life campaign."

The Lifesaving Education and Awareness on Donation program will allow high school students to become ambassadors to teach their classmates about organ donation while they receive community service hours.

"LEAD gives everyone the opportunity to give back to their community," said Morgan Leitz, a senior at Alan B. Shepard High School. "Although you get service hours for it, seeing strangers come up to you on the street telling you that you changed their life is fulfilling enough."

LEAD ambassadors will use documentary videos, materials and activities created by the Maddog Strong Foundation to inspire their peers. Maddie Grobmeier's parents became dedicated advocates after losing their daughter from an asthma attack a day after she turned 18.

"Maddie was an organ, eye and tissue donor," said Frank Grobmeier. "Maddie saved three lives. She gave sight to two people, including a two-year-old little girl who now sees a brighter future because of her gift. Maddie changed the lives of countless others all over the world through her tissue donation." 

You can find more information about the LEAD program by clicking here.

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