Have you considered becoming an organ donor?

It’s admittedly not the most pleasant topic, since it means contemplating what happens after dying. But it’s an important one to address.

Making that decision now potentially keeps your family from facing those questions later, under what likely would be traumatic circumstances.

And it can make a life-altering — sometimes life-saving — difference for a host of people now on waiting lists.

During Donate Life Month, the Michigan Department of State is encouraging residents to join the millions already on the Michigan Organ Donor Registry who are willing to provide organs, eyes and tissue.

“Thousands of patients in Michigan and nationwide are waiting for their second chance at life,” Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie said in a news release. “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.”

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, the news release states. 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.

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

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.

One important note: Those considering joining are encouraged to discuss the decision with their family so if the time comes, the donor’s wishes are clear.

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