Department of State recognizes April as Donate Life Month, encourages residents to join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry

LANSING, Mich. - Today, the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) recognized April as Donate Life Month, a time dedicated to celebrating organ, eye, and tissue donors and encouraging residents to join the millions of Michiganders already listed on the Michigan Organ Donor Registry.

"Thousands of patients in Michigan and nationwide are waiting for their second chance at life," said Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie. "One simple decision can make an extraordinary difference to not only the recipient, but their family, friends, and loved ones. Our department celebrates the heroic and remarkable life-saving commitment that each organ, eye, and tissue donor makes. You can quickly and easily join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry online, at a Secretary of State branch office, or at one of our self-service stations in communities across the state."

"We are grateful for our partnership with the Secretary of State and their continued commitment to making donor registration accessible to all Michiganders," said Dorrie Dils, president and CEO of Gift of Life Michigan. "That leadership is helping grow the Donor Registry and bringing hope to the more than 2,700 people waiting for a lifesaving transplant."

The Michigan Organ Donor Registry is a confidential database that documents an individual's decision to become an organ, tissue and eye donor. Joining the registry is simple and secure. Michiganders can add their name online at Michigan.gov/OrganDonation, at any Secretary of State branch office or self-service station, or on their state income tax return.

In 2025, more than 214,000 residents joined the Michigan Donor Registry. One organ donor can save up to eight lives, and a single tissue donor could save 75 people. Yet every day, 13 people die waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, according to Gift of Life Michigan. Last year, Gift of Life Michigan helped 478 people become organ donors and 1,796 gave the gift of tissue. Thanks to their generosity, surgeons transplanted more than 1,200 organs.

Gift of Life Michigan is the state's federally designated organ and tissue recovery program, providing all services necessary for organ donation in Michigan. Anyone can join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry, regardless of their health or age. Those considering joining are encouraged to discuss the decision with their family.

More information is available online at Michigan.gov/OrganDonation and GiftofLifeMichigan.org.

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