Photos courtesy of Gift of Life
Featured photo: Flint Community Action Group participating hosted its first event by participating in the United Way of Genesee County’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.
FLINT, Mich. – Gift of Life Michigan has announced a new partnership with the City of Flint aimed at empowering residents with information about organ, eye and tissue donation and encouraging informed decisions about joining the Michigan Organ Donor Registry.
The partnership was formally announced during Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley’s 2025 State of the City address and reflects a shared commitment to community education, trust and health equity.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with Gift of Life,” said Mayor Sheldon Neeley. “In Flint our motto is ‘prayer, planning, partnership’ – meaning we recognize that it’s not just important to have the desire and strategy to make change – it’s also crucial to have the right partners to implement that change. We will continue to reach out and collaborate with groups and organizations who share our vision of a healthier Flint.”
Through this collaboration, Gift of Life Michigan and the City of Flint will work together to provide education about donation, dispel myths and increase awareness of how donation saves and heals lives across Michigan. More than 2,700 Michigan residents are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant and more than 100,000 are waiting nationally.
“This partnership is essential to the health and wellness of Flint residents,” said Shebra Ward, public health manager, City of Flint. “
Ward added: “Our goal is to ensure that all residents—regardless of age, gender, race or economic status—have access to accurate, informative and timely information. By educating ourselves and addressing misinformation, we can dispel myths that cloud sound judgment and empower our community to make informed decisions.”
As part of the partnership, the city and Gift of Life Michigan will also collaborate on a series of community events throughout the year. These events will provide residents with opportunities to learn more about disease prevention, organ, eye and tissue donation, ask questions and make informed choices.
“It’s crucial that we continue to meet residents where they are and listen to what matters most to their community,” said Dorrie Dils, president and CEO of Gift of Life Michigan.
Dils added: “This partnership with the City of Flint allows us to have meaningful conversations about donation, address concerns directly and ensure residents have the information they need to make the decision that is right for them and their families.”
One organ donor has the potential to save eight lives, while a tissue donor can help heal and transform up to 125 people. Organ, eye and tissue donation saves lives.
Additional details about upcoming community events and educational opportunities in Flint will be shared in the coming months. Residents can learn more about organ, eye and tissue donation and join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry at golm.org/signup.
About Gift of Life Michigan
Gift of Life Michigan is a federally designated organ procurement organization that serves the state of Michigan as the intermediary between donors, their families and hospital staff. In collaboration with Eversight, Gift of Life provides all services necessary for organ, eye and tissue donation. For more information, or to sign up on the Donor Registry, visit www.golm.org or call 866-500-5801.
