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Organ Donation
Organ Donation
Anyone can save a life
You can give no greater gift than the gift of life. One person can save and improve the lives of 75 people through organ, tissue and eye donation. By joining the Michigan Organ Donor Registry, you can help give that gift.
Organ Donation Partners
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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How do you join the Donor Registry?
Anyone can join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry, regardless of their health or social history, by selecting the option in their Secretary of State online services account. Advances in medicine continue to allow more people to donate life-saving organs, even those with diabetes, cancer or other serious illnesses. After your death, a medical professional will determine which organs and tissues can be used to help others. Your medical care will not be impacted by your decision to donate.
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Are there age restrictions to join the Donor Registry?
There are no age restrictions to joining the Donor Registry. Minors may register with or without parental support, however their parents make the final decision about donation until they turn 18. We encourage anyone considering the decision to donate, regardless of age, to discuss it with their family.
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How does the donation process work?
One person can donate up to eight live-saving organs, plus tissues that can improve the lives of up to 75 people. Organs that can be donated include: the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, intestines and pancreas. Tissues include: corneas, bone, tendons, skin, heart valves, veins and nerves.
Organs and tissue are recovered through a dignified surgical procedure conducted with the highest level of care and respect for the donor. For more information, watch this short video. -
Who is Eversight?
Based in Ann Arbor, Eversight is the 501(c)3 charitable organization working with the families of those who donate the gift of sight for corneal transplantation and research.
Eversight works with surgeons and researchers to provide that gift and ensure safe, successful sight-restoring transplants for more than 8,000 people every year as well as research to improve patient outcomes and one day end preventable blindness.
In addition to recovering, evaluating and providing donated eye tissue for sight-restoring transplants and promoting public donation awareness, Eversight provides humanitarian aid to people around the world in need of corneal transplantation.
To learn more or get involved, visit eversightvision.org or call 800-247-7250, ext. 2616. -
How can I help?
Please consider signing up on the Donor Registry today. If you join when you renew or when you get your first driver's license or state ID card, you'll have a heart symbol printed on your new driver's license or state ID card. If you join before your license expires, you'll receive a heart symbol sticker to be placed on your license or ID card. When your license or ID card expires, you'll be sent a new one with the heart symbol printed on it after you renew. If you lose your heart symbol sticker, you can easily order a new one.
Video library
Check Your Heart
Wolverine for Life
Waiting to Live - Wayne County
Hear his story
Angels for Life
Thank You to SOS employees
Waiting to Live: Leslie's story
Waiting to Live: Kerry's story
Waiting to Live: Jai'Wan's Story
Shining Star Award
Honoring exceptional dedication, outstanding support, novel partnerships and/or extraordinary efforts in the area of organ and tissue donor awareness.
Nominations can be submitted for an individual or organization. Nominations should be based on organ and tissue donation-related achievements within the twelve (12) months preceding the nomination deadline. The nomination should explain and give specific examples of how the individual or organization has demonstrated an extraordinary level of service or commitment. Community service activities may be used to support a nomination.
Organizations demonstrating originality or innovative methods of promoting the need for organ donation are also suitable candidates. Examples include partnering with other organizations to reach new audiences or maximize the effectiveness of current programs.