APRIL 10, 2007

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land and Kentwood Mayor Richard Root today are asking all residents if they have a heart sticker on their driver's license or state identification card.

The two public officials met at the Grand Rapids Area SUPER!Center to sign up on the Michigan Organ Donor Registry as part of the state's "Show Us Your Heart" campaign and receive their heart stickers. Also lending their support were Dr. Michael Stoiko from Helen DeVos Children's Hospital and Kent County Clerk Mary Hollinrake.

"With the new ‘Show Us Your Heart' campaign, we've made it easier than ever to be an organ donor," said Land. "I appreciate Mayor Root, County Clerk Hollinrake and Dr. Stoiko's willingness to add their names to the registry. Donation is a compassionate gift of love and brings hope to the thousands of people on Michigan's transplant waiting list.

"Signing up is as simple as going online at www.Michigan.gov/sos or talking to the clerk the next time you're at a branch office. Once you get your heart sticker, you're all set. Don't delay; show us your heart today!"

Land explained that a recent change in law allows the department to place a heart sticker on the front of the license or state identification card to inform medical personnel and emergency responders of your organ donation wish. The heart logo also eliminates the need to fill out the donor information on the back of the card. The Secretary added that anyone who signed up on the registry before Jan. 1, which is when the new heart-logo law went into effect, should re-enroll in order to receive the heart sticker.

Root said that because the state has made it so easy to add your name to the registry, signing up takes only a few minutes and is an act that can save many lives.

"There aren't many things you can do that take so little time and yet can positively impact so many lives," Root said. "I would encourage everyone to add their name to the donor registry and get their heart sticker. It's simple, quick and effective."

They took the action in observance of April 10 as Buddy Day, an annual event in which Gift of Life Michigan and Michigan Eye-Bank "Buddies" visit Secretary of State offices to promote greater organ donor awareness. About 300 volunteers visited more than 130 offices from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to share their personal stories and encourage residents to add their names to the donor registry.

The story of organ donation is one of greatest triumphs in medicine. Stoiko, who works in pediatric critical care, said that in spite of the success, the need for organs outpaces the supply.

"It is truly amazing to see a child, who was once near death, become healthy and strong thanks to organ donation," said Stoiko, who works in pediatric critical care. "Tragically, about 18 people die every day in this country because not enough organs are available. Those deaths could be eliminated if we increase the number of names on the donor registry."

Buddy Day marks the second day of Buddy Week, a collaborative five-day celebration among the state's organ donor advocates geared toward increasing the number of names on the registry. This year, Land's efforts focus on promoting greater involvement among businesses, universities, municipalities and hospitals.

Throughout the week, Land and other advocates travel the state and recognize several individuals and a corporation with Shining Star awards for their extraordinary efforts at promoting greater organ donor awareness. The Shining Star award was established by Land in 2005 and has been presented to 14 individuals and groups to date.

In Michigan, more than 3,100 people wait for a lifesaving transplant. Although last year set a state record with 905 organ transplants, more organs are needed to meet the demand.

Gift of Life Michigan is the state's certified, full-service recovery organization. For more information about organ donation, contact the Gift of Life Michigan Web site at www.giftoflifemichigan.org or (800) 482-4881.

The Michigan Eye-Bank works to restore sight by educating people about the ongoing need for eye donors. Visit www.mebtc.org or call (800) 247-7250.

For more information about Department of State organ donor initiatives or to sign up on the donor registry, visit www.Michigan.gov/organdonation or call (888) 767-6424.