Sec’y of State Jesse White Joins First Ladies Health Initiative and Religious Leaders to Show Support for National Donor Sabbath

Jamell Meeks, Monica Moss and LaTonia Lambert featured in radio PSA

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White joined the First Ladies Health Initiative with some of the city’s leading churches pastors to show support for National Donor Sabbath, a time when faith communities come together in support of organ and tissue donation.

“People often cite religious beliefs as a reason for not signing up for the state’s organ and tissue donor registry,” White said. “Please don’t buy into the myths that discourage donation.  Do something good for someone else by participating in this vital program.”

During the weekend of November 14-16, faith communities in Illinois and across the country recognize National Donor Sabbath.  Faith leaders and congregations participate in events to increase awareness of this vital program.  According to the United Network for Organ Sharing, nearly all major religious groups support organ and tissue donation.

Nationally, more than 120,000 people are waiting for organs. In Illinois, there are approximately 5,000 people on the waiting list. Sadly, about 300 people die each year because organs are not available.

White’s office produced a 60-second public service announcement for Donor Sabbath that was distributed to radio stations statewide. The PSA features three First Ladies Health Initiative members: Jamell Meeks of Salem Baptist Church of Chicago, Monica Moss of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago and LaTonia Lambert, of River Oaks Community Church of South Holland.  The three women encourage those in the community to participate in this life-giving act.

White was joined at the press conference which was held at the James R. Thompson Center by First Ladies Health Initiative members Jamell Meeks of Salem Baptist Church of Chicago, LaTonia Lambert of River Oaks Community Church of South Holland, Felicia Clark of World Deliverance Christian Center in Hillside, Karen Smith, Holy Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church of Chicago, and Cheryl Samuels of Commonwealth Community Church, as well as St. Sabina Pastor Thulani Magwaza.

For more information on organ/tissue donation or to register to become as a donor, visit LifeGoesOn.com, call the Secretary of State Organ/Tissue Donor Program at 1-800-210-2106, or visit a Driver Services facility.