APRIL 1, 2008

Secretary Land, partners promote enrollment in Organ Donor Registry during annual drive

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today marked the start of Donate Life Month by encouraging enrollment in Michigan's Organ Donor Registry, a simple act that brings hope to nearly 3,100 patients across the state awaiting transplants.

April is designated as Donate Life Month nationally and in Michigan. Land launched the observance at a Detroit news conference. She was joined by representatives of Gift of Life Michigan and the Michigan Eye-Bank.

"One of organ donation's many wonders is that it empowers all of us to save and enhance the lives of other Michigan residents," Land said. "Make no mistake - the need for donors is very real. The demand for organs far exceeds the supply. Please take a minute to sign up on Michigan's Organ Donor Registry. It's fast, convenient and means the world to someone in need."

Land presented a Shining Star award to Diana Lewis, Action News anchor at WXYZ TV 7 in Detroit, for her continuing support of organ donation. Land created the award to recognize those who show an extraordinary commitment to the cause.

Other events to raise awareness of the need for organ, tissue and eye donation are:

• Wednesday, April 2 - Secretary of State offices across Michigan open their doors for the annual "Buddy Day" celebration. The offices host organ, tissue and eye donor supporters known as Buddies who share their stories with the public. Nearly 370 Buddies are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A list of offices hosting Buddies is at www.Michigan.gov/sos. Land will visit various West Michigan branch offices to promote Buddy Day.
• Tuesday, April 8 and Thursday, April 17 - News conferences in the Flint and Kalamazoo areas highlighting transplant successes.

The theme of Donate Life Month in Michigan is "Show Us Your Heart." Joining the donor registry means you receive a heart sticker for your driver's license or state ID card. The sticker tells emergency responders and hospital personnel that you wish to be a donor. If you enrolled in the past and don't have the sticker, you are asked to do so again. Signing up is easy. Visit www.Michigan.gov/sos or any Secretary of State office.

"Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land and her staff have embraced the miracle of organ and tissue transplantation by encouraging Michiganians to sign up on the Michigan Organ Donor Registry," said Richard Pietroski, newly appointed executive director of Gift of Life Michigan. "Secretary Land has made signing up simple, which ensures one's decision to become a donor is carried out. We extend our gratitude to Secretary Land and her staff for their commitment to help save and enhance lives."

Land pointed out that while there are more than 1.2 million names on the registry, Michigan has approximately 10 million residents, underscoring the need for donors.

Last year in Michigan, record numbers again were achieved with 301 organ donors and 920 tissue donors aiding in 881 lifesaving organ transplants and thousands of tissue surgeries. On average, 17 Michigan patients receive organ transplants each week.

Gift of Life Michigan is the state's certified, full-service organ recovery organization. It acts as an intermediary between donors, physicians and hospital staff. Contact the agency at

(800) 482-4881 or www.giftoflifemichigan.org.

The Michigan Eye-Bank recovers, evaluates and distributes corneas for transplantation, supports eye and vision research and offers education on the importance of donation. To learn more call (800) 247-7250 or visit www.michiganeyebank.org.

Editor's note: A list of Secretary of State offices hosting a Buddy is on the department Web site. To contact a branch manager or Buddy, call the Office of Communications at (517) 373-2520.