Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Each of us could save up to eight lives. By becoming an organ or tissue donor, many people in need of new organs or tissue repair can live longer and healthier lives. Over 57, 000 Americans are awaiting an organ transplant, including over 1, 400 people in Michigan. Organ transplant could be the only successful treatment for many with end-stage disease of the kidney, heart, liver, pancreas or intestines. Transplants of tissues such as cornea, skin, veins, bone and heart valves treat a wide range of medical problems. One tissue donation could help 30 to 40 people to live healthier lives. Transplants are highly successful, showing a 95% success rate for tissues and a 70% to 92% survival rate for organ transplants. Sight can be restored to someone with a diseased or damaged cornea. Skin is used to treat a burn patient. A donated heart and liver can save the life of someone whose heart is too weak and replace a liver ravished by disease.

Organ and tissue donation occurs after a person has died and the family has given consent. Tissue donation can also be obtained from consenting surgical donors. People who wish to donate should inform family members about their desire, even if a donor card has been signed. In the event of the donor’s death, family members will know ahead of time about the donor’s wishes. There is no added cost charged to families for donation and it does not interfere with an open casket funeral. A person can designate on their Michigan driver license or ID card their wishes about organ/tissue donation. To learn more, contact your local Secretary of State office or the Gift of Life Agency at (800) 482-4881.