LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – Five hundred people have donated organs, resulting in 1,200 transplants in Michigan so far this calendar year, according to Gift of Life Michigan.
The organization describes itself as “a federally designated organ procurement organization that serves the state of Michigan as an intermediary between donors, their families, hospitals and transplant centers.”
The organization is promoting the number 500 because there are still several weeks left in the year and it surpasses previous years. According to the agency, there were 463 organ donors in 2022 and 429 in 2021.
“Michigan’s latest milestone is incredibly significant. “I am in awe of those 500 donors and their families who decided that helping others was important to them,” said Dorrie Dils, president and CEO of Gift of Life, in a news release. Michigan’s organization is the 11th in the country.th-the largest federally designated organ procurement organization. “They have given their recipients the best gift: a new life. “As we approach Thanksgiving, we know how grateful you must be.”
The organization adds that more than 4.5 million people have enrolled in the Michigan Organ Donor Registry. The program is facilitated by the Michigan Secretary of State and allows individuals to opt for organ donation when renewing or obtaining a Michigan ID or driver’s license. Those who choose to participate in the program have a heart in their ID status.
Despite this news, the need for organ donation remains high, says the head of the organization.
The Michigan Organ Donor Registry is growing slowly and not fast enough to help Michigan eliminate its wait list. Dils asks all Michiganders who have not signed up to consider doing so.
“Many Michiganders are connected to someone who donated or someone who is waiting for a new heart, liver or lungs,” Dils said. “Those organs come from kind people who make deliberate decisions to help save the lives of others. The need is great.”
To register, visit a location Office of the Secretary of State or go to golm.org/register.
