February 16, 2025

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Michigan reports historic organ and tissue donations in 2024

Michigan reports historic organ and tissue donations in 2024

Michigan had a strong year of organ and tissue donations in 2024.

The state had 533 people donate organs, which was the second highest annual total, according to Gift of Life Michigan. The 1,960 tissue donations was the highest in a year, marking a 5% increase from the previous state record set in 2023.

In total, 1,119 organs were transplanted, transforming the lives of those in need of new bone, tendons, heart valves, and more. About 70% of donations come from deceased donors, but there are options for donation from living donors as well.

“Our numbers represent progress and lives touched across our state and nation,” said Dorrie Dils, Gift of Life’s president/CEO. “They reflect generous donors, and their families and lives saved and healed because of their decisions.”

The year also included the first successful bone marrow transplant from a deceased donor. A Michigan donor saved the life of a 68-year-old Flint woman in need of a transplant to treat her leukemia.

RELATED: Life of giving continues after death for West Michigan organ donor

More than 1.5 million Americans receive a tissue donation graft each year. In May, Michigan had a record 197 people give tissue to help those in need.

“For the patients who have experienced a traumatic accident or are suffering from a debilitating illness, tissue donation can dramatically change someone’s life,” Dils said.

Insurance providers typically cover the medical costs for living donors, but other expenses such as lost wages, lodging and childcare are not covered — generally making it difficult to be a living donor.

Lawmakers sought to clear that hurdle in November by passing legislation that offers a one-time tax credit up to $10,000 for nonmedical, reimbursable expenses associated with transplant surgery.

RELATED: A donor’s heart and lungs gave 2 Michigan women new life

Dr. Marwan Abouljoud, Henry Ford Health’s director of its transplant institute, said the legislation was a remarkable milestone that would open many possibilities for patients and move further toward reducing the penalty of living donation.

Last year included more than 206,000 Michiganders joining the organ donor registry. Their donations could one day help the more than 2,500 patients waiting for a lifesaving transplant in Michigan, or the more than 104,000 in need nationwide.

The most common need is for kidney transplants. Of Michigan’s roughly 2,500 people in need of a transplant at any given time, about 2,000 need a kidney, according to the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan.

After kidneys, the top needs on the national transplant list include liver, heart, lung, and pancreas.

RELATED: 1 in 7 Michigan adults has kidney disease. Too few know until it’s too late.

To join the donor registry or learn more about the donation process, visit giftoflifemichigan.org or call 866-500-5801.

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