Secretary Land, partners launch annual awareness drive

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land and other leading organ donor advocates today urged everyone to sign up for the Michigan Organ Donor Registry, bringing hope to the more than 3,100 residents awaiting lifesaving transplants.

Land was joined by Gift of Life Michigan and the Michigan Eye-Bank in launching the annual "Buddy Week" observance. It heightens awareness of the need for organ donors and the ease with which they can join the registry.

"Organ donation is a loving, selfless act that saves lives," Land said. "But the demand for organs far exceeds the supply. We need everyone to add their names to the registry. Just two minutes of your time can mean a lifetime for someone in need."

The week's highlights include Tuesday's visit to more than 130 Secretary of State offices by nearly 300 Gift of Life Michigan and Michigan Eye-Bank volunteers, who will share their personal stories with the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The volunteers, called "buddies," are organ donors, recipients, their families and supporters.

"Buddies are excellent ambassadors who can provide firsthand insights into the benefits of organ donation," Land said. "I encourage residents across the state to take advantage of this opportunity and stop by and meet a buddy."

Michigan's new "Show Us Your Heart" campaign makes enrolling in the registry easy. Simply go to www.Michigan.gov/organdonation and click on the donor registry link. Once registered, you'll be mailed a sticker bearing a heart logo to affix to the front of your driver's license or personal identification card. The sticker informs medical personnel and emergency responders of your wish to be a donor. Anyone who signed up prior to Jan. 1 is encouraged to do so again in order to receive the heart sticker.

Land kicked off the campaign at DTE Energy in Detroit, which is encouraging its employees to add their names to the registry. Promoting greater involvement among businesses, universities, municipalities and hospitals is a key focus of Land's efforts.

Tom Beyersdorf, Gift of Life Michigan executive director, accepted an executive proclamation designating April as Michigan Donate Life Month.

"The Michigan Organ Donor Registry is pivotal to saving more lives," Beyersdorf said. "Research confirms that the public recognizes the driver's license as the preferred method to indicate donation wishes. For this we thank Secretary Land and her staff for implementing the new enrollment method."

The ceremony was especially poignant when Land presented DTE Energy analyst Pam Powell with a Shining Star award. Land created the award to recognize those who demonstrate exemplary donation efforts. Powell, of Detroit, received two lungs donated by the parents of a 12-year-old boy who died following a severe asthma attack. She is a tireless promoter of organ donation. A talented singer, Powell demonstrated her beautiful voice by performing her signature song "Wind Beneath My Wings" during the event.

More than 95,000 Americans require transplants. Unfortunately, many die each day due to the unavailability of organs.

More information is available on the Department of State Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos.

Gift of Life Michigan is the state's certified, full-service organ recovery organization. It can be reached at (800) 482-4881 or www.giftoflifemichigan.org.

The Michigan Eye-Bank works to restore sight by educating people about the ongoing need for eye donors. Visit www.mebtc.org or call (800) 247-7250.