Statewide Push for Organ Donors
Marlette, MI- Marlette Regional Hospital (MRH) is taking part in a massive statewide campaign launched by the Michigan Hospital Association Keystone Center for Patient Safety and Quality, in conjunction with Gift of Life Michigan to save lives by working to help add one million names to the Michigan Organ Donor Registry.
One organ donor can save the lives of up to eight people, and those who give tissue can improve the quality of life for up to 50 sick or injured people. Adding more names to the state’s confidential database will alleviate a family’s burden of making a decision about organ donation during their shock and grief. It also will make more organs available for the 3,000 people waiting in Michigan for a second chance at life.
Last year, 288 people in Michigan donated organs. While praiseworthy, it is not nearly enough to meet the need. In fact, 18 people die every day in the U.S. waiting for an organ transplant. More than 105,000 are on the national waiting list for organs.
“The staff of Marlette Regional Hospital is very community-minded and they understand the importance of this cause. Our staff will aid in this national effort by encouraging their friends and family to join the registry”, said Gregory Roraff, Chief Executive Officer of Marlette Regional Hospital. MRH has set a goal to add 100 new registrants in 2010 by rallying support and participation from employees, family members, neighbors, friends and colleagues. It plans to use all available media sources to share this information, provide instructions and ask individuals to join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry and save lives.
Residents can apply for the Michigan Organ Donor Registry by using any one of these options: 1) on the web visit www.giftoflifemichigan.org, 2) call (800) 482-4881, or 3) visit a Secretary of State branch office. After joining the Michigan Organ Donor Registry, a red heart logo will be mailed to the registrant so that it can be placed on the individual’s Michigan driver’s license or state ID, indicating that person’s wish to someday be a donor.
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