197 people gave tissue in May to heal patients in need
May was a record-breaking month for the state’s organ and tissue donation program, thanks to nearly 200 people who donated bone, skin, ligaments and other tissue to help patients heal.
“The impact these donors have made cannot be overstated,” said Dorrie Dils, president and CEO, Gift of Life Michigan. “For the patients who have experienced a traumatic accident or are suffering from a debilitating illness, tissue donation can provide healing and hope. While it may seem so small, it can really change someone’s life.”
The record breaks the team’s previous monthly record of 179 donors in June 2023. Last year was a record-breaking year for Gift of Life Michigan, with 578 people becoming organ and donors and 1,858 giving the gift of tissue, saving hundreds of lives and healing tens of thousands more. In addition to a record-breaking month, the tissue recovery team was recently recognized for its outstanding work by partners in tissue donation, MTF Biologics and Solvita.
More than 1.5 million Americans receive a tissue donation graft each year. Many different types of tissues can be donated and transplanted to improve and save lives. From tendons and bones to heart valves and corneas, tissue donation can greatly improve a patient’s quality of life. Both skin and heart valves can also be life saving for patients in dire need.
By signing up on the Michigan Organ Donor Registry, you are also registering to become a tissue and eye donor. The best way to save lives is by joining the Donor Registry. To register or learn more about the donation process, visit giftoflifemichigan.org
