Record-setting 44,000 register as organ donors in Michigan, 39 percent in Isabella County

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People in need of an organ transplant may feel one step closer after the record-setting increase of donors registered in Michigan this year.

In August, more than 44,000 Michigan residents registered to become organ donors, said Secretary of State Ruth Johnson in a press release.

Isabella County’s organ donors makeup 39 percent of the adult donor population in Michigan, said Tim Makinen, Gift of Life Michigan director of corporate communications.

Registrations increased because of Johnson’s Restart the Heart campaign launched in April, and from working closely with advocacy partners Gift of Life and the Michigan Eye-Bank.

“The Secretary of State branch employees have encouraged people to join the registry, along with promotional posters throughout the branch,” Secretary of State spokesman Fred Woodhams said. “Ruth is a strong believer in organ donation and that giving the gift of life is a selfless act.”

Woodhams said there has been an increase of 9,462 registered donors in Isabella County since 2007.

He said this August, a total of 44,101 people joined the registry, compared to 31,403 in August 2010. August was the fourth consecutive month this year with an increase of double digits.

Johnson also pushed for placing reminders on Secretary of State forms, advertising its efforts on the department’s website and forming an advisory committee to develop recommendations and encourage donation via social media, according to a Secretary of State press release.

Makinen said there are nearly 3,000 people on the transplant waiting list in Michigan.

As of Sept. 1, 2,372 people in Michigan are in need of a kidney transplant.  A kidney is often the most needed organ and the average wait time is about five years, Makinen said.

There are also many who need additional gifts of eyes and tissue from donors, he said.

“Gift of Life Michigan works closely with the Secretary of State and the Michigan Eye-Bank all with the common mission to get people to join the registry,” he said.

If someone is getting a new license and wants to become a donor, the organ logo will be permanently printed on the license, Woodhams said. For those who don’t need a new one, they will receive a heart sticker to place on their license.

Any residents interested in joining the registry may sign up at the Secretary of State website at www. Michigan.gov/sos.

Each organ donor has the potential to save eight lives and enhance the lives of as many as 50 patients.

“For most people this is the only opportunity to save someone else’s life,” Makinen said. “It leaves a legacy of generosity and giving.”