Michigan tries to increase number of organ donors

A new policy at the Michigan Secretary of State's office could shorten the wait for nearly 3,000 other Michigan residents for organ and tissue donations. About 2.2 million of the state's 10 million residents have indicated they would donate organs upon their death. The changes already spurred a 20% growth in donors in one month since being implemented in May. The policy change comes after years of lobbying by activists and follows the lead of other states. It directs staff at the Secretary of State to ask customers if they want to join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry. Other changes also are under way to bolster the rolls. Currently, Michigan's participation rate is among the nation's lowest. Compared with last year, 5,300 people added their names to the donor registry in May.