Some of you are aware that 33 years ago, my brother gave me the greatest gift imaginable.

So, yes, organ donation is personal to me.

Now comes word from the state Senate of a bipartisan measure to add instruction in organ donation to a health curriculum for middle and high schoolers “to the extent that money is available.” Kudos to Democrat Julia Ratti and Republican Ben Kieckhefer for this idea.

From the bill’s description: “This bill requires that such a course of study in health include instruction in organ and tissue donation, including, without limitation: (1) how to register as a donor and the rules governing donor gifts in this State, pursuant to the Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act; (2) the societal and individual benefits of organ and tissue donation; and (3) facts about organ and tissue donation.“

The sooner kids know about it, the better.

According to the American Transplant Foundation:

• Around 120,000 people in the United States are currently on the waiting list for a lifesaving organ transplant.
• Another name is added to the national transplant waiting list every 10 minutes.
• On average, 22 people die every day from the lack of available organs for transplant.
• One deceased donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and can save and enhance more than 100 lives through the gift of tissue donation.