Gift of Life HOSA Challenge inspires students to join Michigan Organ Donor Registry
There are more than 1,300 additional organ and tissue donors on the Michigan Organ Donor Registry, thanks to the efforts of students across the state.
Students from the former Health Occupation Students of America, the organization now known as HOSA-Future Health Professionals, have just completed their second statewide challenge with other Michigan HOSA chapters to register new organ and tissue donors and inspire support for donation. 
The Gift of Life HOSA Challenge, an organ and tissue donor drive competition, took place Nov. 4 to Nov. 22. During that time, students signed up 1,352 people to the Michigan Organ Donor Registry. Members of the public signed up on the Donor Registry in honor of their local HOSA chapter, scoring a point for that chapter.
“With more than 7,000 HOSA members spread across the state, this challenge is a fun way to make our organization feel more cohesive, all while spreading awareness of organ donation,” said Samantha Pohl, assistant director of Michigan HOSA. “We are thankful for this opportunity with Gift of Life and appreciate them taking an interest in future health professionals.”
In addition to registering new donors, students encouraged their classmates, teachers and supporters to sign up through various activities and events designed to raise awareness of the importance of organ and tissue donation. Sanilac Career Center registered the most new donors and Grand Blanc High School completed the most activities in support of donation.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with Michigan HOSA to save and heal lives here in Michigan,” said Dorrie Dils, CEO of Gift of Life Michigan, the state’s organ and tissue recovery organization. “The energy and enthusiasm of these students is inspiring. In the last year, they have registered nearly 2,200 donors! Their efforts give hope to the nearly 3,000 residents in our state waiting for life-saving organ transplants.”
To view a full list of participating schools, visit www.golm.org/hosa.
Winners and participating schools will be recognized at the HOSA State Leadership Conference in Traverse City on March 10, 2020.
