The IHSA logo has turned purple for the month of April! We are supporting Donate Life Illinois in celebrating National Donate Life Month and the life-changing impact of organ, eye, and tissue donation. The color purple represents compassion and inspiration, which is why it is used to honor those who became organ, eye, and tissue donors to save and heal the lives of others in need. So many of our schools and communities have been touched by those who have given or received the gift of life.

IHSA joins all those that are honoring donors and their families in this way during National Donate Life Month. Landmarks like the Willis Tower and Navy Pier’s Centennial Ferris Wheel in Chicago, the Murray Baker Bridge in Peoria, and Rockford City Hall will “Light It Up Purple” in public support of organ donation. Purple lights on homes and businesses also bring attention to the need for more registered donors and honor donor heroes who have given the gift of life.

As you may know, this is the seventh year that IHSA has teamed up with Donate Life Illinois – a coalition of Illinois organ, tissue, and eye donation and transplantation organizations – to encourage high school students to get educated about donation and “say yes” to joining the Illinois Organ/Tissue Donor Registry whether online or upon receiving their driver’s license at an Illinois Secretary of State Driver Service Facility.

Please consider making a difference in the critical need for organ & tissue donors by sharing the message in your school and community. National Donate Life Month resources are available at www.giftofhope.org/donatelifemonth. You can also contact Lisa Dodson, Senior Outreach Specialist at Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donation if you would like to plan a presentation at your school.