MARCH 24, 2006

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced that Monday, April 10 has been selected as the start of this year's "Buddy Week," a time when organ donation supporters meet with the public at branch offices to promote enrollment on the state's donor registry.

To enhance organ donation efforts, the Department of State, Gift of Life Michigan and the Michigan Eye-Bank have extended promotional efforts from the traditional "Buddy Day" to the entire week. April is designated as "Donate Life Month" as part of a nationwide campaign.

"The gift of organ and tissue donation means hope and life for someone who is critically ill," Land said. "Lives are transformed when people care enough to become a donor. The Department of State has a long tradition of partnering with Gift of Life Michigan and the Michigan Eye-Bank. We're very proud of our role in educating residents about the critical need for more donors. We're trying something new this year by expanding our efforts to a full week. I'm very excited about the additional opportunities this provides us to focus on the important message of organ and tissue donation."

On April 10, which is "Buddy Day," Gift of Life Michigan and Michigan Eye-Bank volunteers, known as Buddies, will be in about 135 Secretary of State offices from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to distribute organ donor information. Buddies have received a transplant, are waiting for one, are the family and friends of a recipient or donor, or are organ and tissue donor supporters.

Land will also hold a Buddy Day news conference that morning in southeast Michigan to promote the lifesaving message of organ and tissue donation.

In addition, offices in select communities will continue to host Buddies throughout the remainder of the week.

All offices will have organ and tissue donor information on display.

Residents who will not be at a branch office during Buddy Week still have plenty of opportunities to enroll on the donor registry. The department's Web site makes registering easy with its online enrollment program at www.Michigan.gov/sos. Additionally, enrollment cards are available at any branch office and are mailed with every driver's license and state identification card.

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

For more information about organ donation, contact Gift of Life Michigan at 1-800-482-4881.