ATLANTA (Jan. 16, 2024) — In August of 2023, Midtown High School sophomore Sierra Pape reached out to Sen. John Albers (R—Roswell) for advice on proposing legislation that would implement information about organ donation and transplantation within school curriculums.
“When Sierra approached me with this life-changing initiative, I knew I needed to help in any way that I can. In 2021, I donated my left kidney to help save my son’s life. Organ donation is a cause that is extremely important and heartfelt to my family, and I’m overjoyed that this life-saving matter will be implemented in the state’s curriculum,” said Sen. Albers.
The Georgia Board of Education met on Wednesday, Jan. 10 to present the proposed changes to their health standards in grades 8-12 to reflect the importance of organ and tissue donation and the statewide organ donation registry system at their State Board Committee Meeting. State School Superintendent Richard Woods and the rest of the Board of Education members met to hear Sen. Albers and Sierra Pape present the initiative. They passed the “Teaching Organ Donation and Saving Lives” to be implemented into the curriculum for the upcoming school year.
Sierra has worked tirelessly with several individuals to gain information and support for this initiative. Along with being an impressive student, Sierra serves on the Fulton County Youth Commission, Metro Atlanta Regional Commission, as well as Midtown High School’s “My Votes” chapter. Sen. Albers will recognize Sierra and her impressive efforts at the Georgia State Capitol on Feb. 15, 2024, which is also National Donor Day.
# # # #
Sen. John Albers serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety. He represents the 56th Senate District which includes portions of Cherokee, Cobb and North Fulton counties. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at john.albers@senate.ga.gov