SPRINGFIELD — The Secretary of State’s office is making its annual appeal for you to become an organ donor.

April is National Donate Life Month, and Secretary of State Jesse White plans on promoting the organ donation program throughout the state. He says an organ transplant is not a situation most people want to think about.

“We ask that when you’re alive and well, give blood. When you’re no longer here, give organs,” White said. “When you’ve done those two things, you’ll have made a positive impact on society, considering the fact that one person can provide life or improve the quality of life for 25 individuals.”

Illinois has 5.7 million registered organ donors, up from 5.5 million last year. White says more donors are always needed since more than 300 people die in Illinois each year waiting for a transplant.