Gift of Life Michigan and its key partners have wrapped up a massive campaign to add one million new names to the Michigan Organ Donor Registry this year. The drive netted 319,000 registrations - a record for this state.

In early 2010, Michigan ranked 42nd nationwide in the percentage of registered drivers who have officially expressed their wish to someday become organ, eye and tissue donors. The drive helped Michigan catch up with the rest of the nation and, ultimately, will save more lives.

A key component to the effort was social media. Gift of Life's website home page has a feature on the right side called a widget. This Internet tool allows users to sign up on the Donor Registry, then pass the widget along to others through email, Facebook or Twitter. It also can be hosted on other websites by businesses, non-profits or service groups interested in joining the campaign to save and improve lives.

The hope was to add one million names to the state's confidential database to bring Michigan in line with the national average of 39 percent. Just 28 percent of drivers here have signed the registry.

Part of the reason Michigan lags behind other states: Most residents aren't aware that signing the back of a Michigan driver's license or state ID isn't enough to be a donor anymore. Since 2007, residents must join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry here on this website, by calling 800.482.4881 or by visiting a Secretary of State branch office.

Gift of Life Michigan is working with the Michigan Eye-Bank, the Michigan Health & Hospital Association and the Donate Life Coalition of Michigan, among others, to encourage residents to sign up to save and improve lives and pass the word along.

Click here to register.