Sharing the Message
Recent News, Education Resources, and More
You can also access media contact information, fact sheets, videos, graphics and more. Most importantly, we can help connect you with medical experts, transplant recipients and/or family members of organ and tissue donors to interview.
Let us know how we can help you with your news story. We’ve made recent statistics and facts about donation available below, as well as suggested terminology for your articles. Check out our latest news here!
Media Inquiries
Gift of Life Michigan can help connect you with medical experts, transplant recipients and/or family members of organ and tissue donors to interview for your story.
Patrick O'Brien
Vice President, Communications and External Relations
[email protected]
734-922-6020
R
ACHA KARDAHJI
Director of Marketing and Communications
[email protected]
734-922-6020
Media Kit
Gift of Life logo pack
Download the Gift of Life Michigan logo pack and branding guidelines.
Need a different size or format? Contact us!
Check Your Heart Logo Pack
Download the logo pack and branding guidelines for the Check Your Heart campaign.
Need a different size or format? Contact us!
Speaking the Language
Donation and Transplant Terminology
- Organ "recovery" is used nationwide to refer to organs transplanted, as a matter of accuracy, clarity and respect for organ donors and their families. Do not use the word "harvest," as it is considered harsh and it is not completely accurate.
- Similarly, use the phrase "deceased donor," never "cadaver."
- The term "life support" is inaccurate and confusing when used in relation to a brain dead patient. The recommended phrasing is that a donor's body is kept on "mechanical support," or a ventilator until the time of donation.
What's Happening
Browse Recent Gift of Life Michigan News
News | February 8, 2023
Michigan woman pens book about daughter, organ donation
“But God” chronicles difficult life that led to a decision to save others Sara Schmidt’s final act saved two lives. A registered organ and tissue…
News | February 3, 2023
Donor Registry Awareness Bill introduced in Michigan
House Bill 4060 would increase awareness, provide education on organ and tissue donation State Reps. Lori M. Stone (D-Warren) and Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) introduced…
Let's Talk, News, Stories of Hope | February 3, 2023
Heart recipient adopts second mission: Advocating for organ, tissue donation
“I always tell people to sign up,” Grosse Pointe Woods woman says Vickie Figueroa makes her living ensuring that people of Black, Hispanic and Native…
News | January 9, 2023
Gift of Life Michigan sets record for organ, tissue donors in 2022
Gift of Life Michigan helped a record 463 people become organ donors and 1,821 give the gift of tissue last year, saving thousands of lives…
Let's Talk, News | December 22, 2022
Bloomfield Hills couple pledges $125,000 to Gift of Life Michigan
Donation will support award-winning youth education program Pamela and Krishna Sawhney of Bloomfield Hills have donated $125,000 over five years to Gift of Life Michigan…
News | December 9, 2022
Legislation prohibits discrimination in organ transplant system
HB 4762 protects disabled patients, helps save lives Legislation approved in the Michigan House of Representatives today will help ensure equity within the organ transplant…
Resources
- These FAQs about Organ Procurement Organizations include information about the donation process, the impact of opioid deaths and relationships with medical examiner death investigations.
- Video content is available on Gift of Life Michigan's YouTube channel. Of particular interest is The Donation Process video, which can be downloaded as an MP4 file here.
- Each month Gift of Life Michigan publishes the number of people waiting for an organ transplant, by organ. A similar document specific to multicultural communities is available upon request.
Donation Facts
- Of the state's 7.6 million adults, more than 4.8 million are registered donors.
- The best way to indicate one's decision to donate life is to join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry.
- On average, 17 Michigan residents have organ transplants every week.
- The supply of organs donated doesn't come close to meeting the demand. Michigan has nearly 3,000 people on the waiting list for a transplant. About 113,000 people are waiting nationwide.
- Organ donors can save up to eight lives and tissue donors can substantially improve life for up to 75 sick, injured or blind people.