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Legislative Advocacy

Organ, eye and tissue donation saves lives every day. Gift of Life Michigan is committed to educating the public and advocating for good public policy to protect and advance donation and transplantation.Photo of the Michigan Capitol Building

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Action AlertHOPE IN ACTION logo

Help us get the HOPE Act passed in the Michigan Legislature

The HOPE Act enables organ transplants from HIV-positive donors to HIV-positive patients

Legislation introduced into the Michigan House of Representatives could bring hope to patients living with HIV. Introduced by State Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Township) with 32 co-sponsors, the HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act allows organs from potential donors with HIV to be transplanted into HIV-positive patients. Currently, the law prohibits life-saving organs from HIV-positive donors to be used to save the lives of HIV-positive patients here in Michigan. Instead, these vital organs recovered by Gift of Life Michigan are sent to out-of-state patients. The HOPE Act was approved unanimously in the state house in June and will now move to the Michigan Senate.

The HOPE Act was enacted nationally in 2015. Since then, 21 states and the District of Columbia have adopted the legislation. Transplants between HIV-positive donors and HIV-positive patients take place at 35 hospitals and transplant centers across the country.

The Gift of Life Michigan Governing Board and Advisory Board – which include representatives of the state’s nine organ transplant programs – endorse this effort to boost the number of organs for transplant for their patients, as well.  

What can you do to help?

  1. Contact your representatives in the Michigan Legislature

Find your state Representative

Find your state Senator

  1. Write a letter of support

Click here for a sample letter [See below]

  1. We need testimonials!

If you or someone you know is HIV-postive and either waiting for a new organ or an organ reciepient, we need your help. Your story could inspire support for this bill. Contact Patrick O'Brien at pobrien@golm.org.
 

  1. Post your support for the HOPE Act on social media and tag @giftoflifemich

Share HOPE Act graphics (click to access, then right-click to download)

People living with HIV can receive organ transplantsThis is Gary. Gary is living with HIV and a liver transplantHOPE is an action verbHOPE Saves LivesHIV+ checkbox, Organ Donor checkbox

SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Senator or Representative,

I’m writing to encourage you to vote to pass the HOPE Act HB4521 this year. The bill would allow organ transplants from HIV-positive donors to HIV-positive patients.

Currently, Michigan law prohibits life-saving organs from HIV-positive donors to be used to save the lives of HIV-positive patients here in Michigan. Instead, these vital organs are sent to out-of-state patients.

The HOPE Act provides new opportunities to save more lives and will ensure that a greater number of people will receive the life-saving transplant they need.

Thank you,