LRMC participates in statewide push to sign up organ donors
04/23/2010
Mission of Donor Drive 2010: Add one million names to the Michigan Organ Donor Registry to help save and improve lives
Lapeer Regional Medical Center (LRMC) is taking part in a massive statewide campaign to save lives by working to help add one million names to the Michigan Organ Donor Registry.
“There is a critical need for life-saving organs in our state, and the more residents who can commit to helping others through joining the registry, the better,” said LRMC President and Chief Executive Officer Bart Buxton. “The staff of LRMC realizes the power of organ and tissue donation. And through our staff’s efforts to join and encourage their friends and family to join the registry we are hoping to inspire our fellow community members to follow suit.”
LRMC has set a goal to add 375 new registrants in 2010. It plans to support efforts to do so through the creation of a link on its website. Those interested in signing up may do by visiting www.lapeerregional.org, clicking on the “Donor Drive 2010” icon on the right hand side of the home page and following the instructions provided by Gift of Life.
Gift of Life, the state’s only federally designated organ recovery organization, is working with Michigan Eye-Bank and the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) to enlist the help of hospitals statewide.
Michigan hospitals are lending their efforts to the 2010 Donor Drive in the spirit of the tremendous success they have experienced through the MHA Keystone: Gift of Life collaborative partnership which began in 2003. Since then, Michigan hospitals have continued to set records in organ and tissue donation and transplantation, contributing significantly to the saving of lives.
The MHA is encouraging all Michigan hospitals to add one name to the registry for every two employees. Hospitals are asked to rally support and participation from employees, family members, neighbors, friends and colleagues. Statewide, the MHA has set a goal of 100,000 new registrants from the collective efforts of Michigan hospitals.
Michigan ranks 42nd nationwide in the percentage of registered drivers who have officially expressed their wish to someday become an organ, eye or tissue donor. Adding one million names to the state’s confidential database will bring Michigan in line with the national average of 39 percent.
At this time, just 24 percent of drivers in this state have signed the registry. Much of this can be attributed to the fact that most residents are not aware that indicating their intent to become a donor by simply signing the back of a Michigan driver’s license or state ID is no longer sufficient to be considered to be a donor. Residents now must join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry or visit a Secretary of State branch office.
After joining the Michigan Organ Donor Registry (completing the process outlined above), a red heart logo will be mailed to the registrant so that it can be placed on the individual’s Michigan driver’s license or state ID, indicating that person’s wish to someday be a donor.
Last year, 288 people in Michigan donated organs. While praiseworthy, it is not nearly enough to meet the need. In fact, 18 people die every day in the U.S. waiting for an organ transplant. More than 105,000 are on the national waiting list for organs. One organ donor can save the lives of up to eight people, and those who give tissue can improve the quality of life for up to 50 sick or injured people. Adding more names to the state’s confidential database will alleviate a family’s burden of making a decision about organ donation during their shock and grief. It also will make more organs available for the 3,000 people waiting in Michigan for a second chance at life.
About Lapeer Regional Medical Center: LRMC is a 222-bed acute care hospital at 1375 N. Main Street in Lapeer. LRMC is the primary provider of health care services to Lapeer County and the surrounding area. LRMC, which is accredited by the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program, offers a comprehensive range of specialties and services to meet medical and surgical needs, along with an exceptional team of medical professionals who provide high quality, expert care. LRMC is a subsidiary of McLaren Health Care, recognized by Verispan as one of the top Integrated Health Networks in the nation.
Mission of Donor Drive 2010: Add one million names to the Michigan Organ Donor Registry to help save and improve lives
