Just 21% of new drivers in Michigan are registering as organ donors, and we’re concerned about that low number.
Other states have double that percentage. We don’t think Michigan teens are less generous, they just don’t receive any information or education about donation to help them decide. So, most are going in cold when they get their first driver’s license or state ID.
That’s a crucial missed opportunity because growing the Donor Registry is, of course, the best way to save the lives of the 2,400 Michiganders waiting for a transplant today.
Legislation before the Michigan House of Representatives Education Committee would encourage schools to allow a one-hour presentation about organ, eye and tissue donation; the Donor Registry; and organ health. There would be no cost to schools as Gift of Life Michigan provides its award-winning All of Us program for free.
Someday, we hope there will be enough support to mandate that all ninth graders in public schools receive this vital information before they go to a Secretary of State office to get a new license and are asked the Donor Registry question.
We used our Check Your Heart Capitol Rally in June to raise awareness for this legislation, and we’d like to thank the more than 400 people who attended and offered their support. Thank you to all the educators, volunteers and supporters who have written letters encouraging adoption of the bill.
And thank you to all the school administrators and teachers who support our All of Us high school education program and bring in Gift of Life to present to your students. Right now, that’s the only way students are learning about donation. But we certainly can’t educate students in all 1,400 public schools.
Last year, the program was presented to more than 34,000 students in 362 schools. With this legislation, we hope to reach many more of those schools. How about yours? Let us know if you’d like our educators to visit. They’d love the chance to talk about how lives are saved every single day.
AS VP OF COMMUNICATIONS AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS, PATRICK ALSO OVERSEES LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY FOR GIFT OF LIFE MICHIGAN. PATRICK WILL UPDATE READERS ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION’S LEGISLATIVE WORK BOTH HERE IN MICHIGAN AND AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL BEGINNING WITH THIS SUMMER EDITION OF LIFELINES.
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