Washington, D.C., briefing educates Michigan’s congressional staffers
Gift of Life hosted a May briefing in Washington, D.C., for health policy and legislative staff from Michigan’s Congressional delegation on issues facing this organ donation program and others nationwide. The goal: Educate policymakers on the growth and success of Gift of Life and correct misinformation about organ procurement organizations (OPOs). Critics portray the nation’s system as failing. Until no one dies waiting for an organ, Gift of Life and other OPOs agree that the system needs to improve. However, the U.S. organ donation system is ranked first in the world and is not failing. Lansing’s Rachel Kuntzsch traveled with Gift of Life and told legislators the story of her heart transplant that came just in time to save her life in 2018. Her donor was a 33-year-old man. The briefing provided facts such as: Critics claim that the nation’s growth in organ donation isn’t attributed to OPO success, but because of the opioid crisis. That’s not true. Over the past five years, organ donation has grown in the U.S. by 39%, and drug-related deaths accounted for just 6% of the surge. In Michigan, referrals to Gift of Life due to drug-related deaths have decreased, while investments in new technology,
grow up. “I was given these years by a registered donor and her supportive family. I hope this new legislation will give more people like me a chance to create memories with their families. I am grateful for every day.” The Donor Registry has struggled due to the change to 12-year renewal cycles for Michigan driver’s licenses. “We’re so hopeful residents will check the box as they file their taxes next year,” said Dorrie Dils, president and CEO of Gift of Life Michigan. “We hope that adding this new and easy way for residents to document their decision will grow the Donor Registry and save the lives of people like Sherry.” About 2,400 patients in Michigan are waiting for transplants today. Roughly 80% are waiting for a kidney, followed by a liver, heart, lungs and various combinations of more than one organ. Other organs that can be transplanted are intestines and pancreas. The bills were sponsored by representatives Felicia Brabec of Pittsfield Township, Cynthia Neeley of Flint, and Natalie Price of Berkley. The Michigan Department of Treasury supported the legislation.
better processes, and more staffing have led to record- breaking growth and lives saved. Another false claim: Organs are lost more frequently than luggage. Gift of Life has never lost an organ en route to transplant centers and all organs are tracked during transportation. Gift of Life is concerned about how new regulations may lead to disruptions in the system instead of improvements and bring in for-profit companies that could erode public trust in a system based on altruism. Contact us here to add your email to our statewide list for updates on advocacy and more. From left: Heart transplant recipient Rachel Kuntzsch of Lansing (fea- tured in this edition), Dorrie Dils, president and CEO; Patrick Wells- O’Brien, VP, communications and external relations.
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