Michigan House Bill HR0190

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/24
• Passed: 2/14/24

Caption

A resolution to declare February 14, 2024, as National Donor Day in the state of Michigan.

Impact

By designating a specific day as National Donor Day, HR0190 aims to foster greater public awareness and encourage residents to join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry. This initiative is particularly significant given the alarming statistic that on average, 20 people die each day waiting for a donated organ in the United States. The resolution touches on the emotional aspect of organ donation, explaining how it not only saves lives but also provides comfort to families facing the death of a loved one. The enacted resolution may positively influence the registration rates and potentially increase the number of organ donors in Michigan.

Summary

House Resolution 0190 is a resolution introduced in the Michigan House to declare February 14, 2024, as National Donor Day. The resolution highlights the importance of organ, tissue, and corneal donations, addressing the fact that around 2,500 residents in Michigan are currently on waiting lists for lifesaving organ transplants. Additionally, it draws attention to the 4.2 million Michigan residents currently registered on the Organ Donor Registry, while also noting that over 42 percent of adults have yet to sign up to become donors. The resolution seeks to raise awareness about the critical need for organ donations in both the state and nationwide.

Contention

While the resolution is largely non-controversial, its success heavily relies on public engagement and the effectiveness of outreach efforts to emphasize the importance of organ and tissue donation. The broader implications of HR0190 lie in its potential to address the chronic shortages of organ transplants in Michigan, which is a serious public health issue. Critics could argue about the effectiveness of such designated days in actually increasing donor registrations, questioning if awareness alone can drive the needed behavioral changes among residents.