ST. JOSEPH — A local healthcare provider is celebrating National Donate Life Month.

Currently, 3,294 men, women and children in Michigan, and 116,000 nationwide, are awaiting lifesaving organ transplants. Each day, on average, 88 lives are saved by an organ transplant in the United States, but 22 people die daily waiting for a transplant that never comes. During National Donate Life Month, Lakeland Health is encouraging community members to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and celebrates those that have saved lives through the gift of donation.

“Another person is added to the nation’s organ transplant wait list every 10 minutes,” said Maureen Bishop, RN, clinical nurse specialist. “Through organ donation, one person can save up to eight lives while a single tissue donor can help up to 75 additional people in need. We encourage people of all ages and medical histories to become donors.”

In 2017, the generosity of Michigan’s 320 organ donors resulted in 876 life-saving organ transplants. So far this year, Michigan donors have provided 190 transplants and saved numerous lives.

To become an organ donor, visit any local Secretary of State office or lakelandhealth.org/donatelife. You can also show your support for organ donation by purchasing a “Donate Life” Michigan license plate. Proceeds from the purchase of this plate help support organ donation awareness.