Published: March 25, 2026
LANSING, Mich. – University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Lansing has been named Hospital of the Year by Gift of Life Michigan for its remarkable dedication to organ, eye, and tissue donation.
In 2025, this hospital supported the wishes of 26 organ donors, making it the fourth highest in the state, and assisted 65 tissue donors, placing it second among Michigan hospitals. One organ donor can save up to eight lives, while a tissue donor can help as many as 75 patients heal. Together, they’ve transformed hundreds of lives through their generous contributions.
Dorrie Dils, president and CEO of Gift of Life Michigan, praised the hospital’s efforts: “The team at Sparrow has cultivated a donation culture that is embraced from administration to frontline staff. Their collaborative approach and strong support for donor families ensure that every opportunity to save lives is honored.”
Leadership at UM Health-Sparrow Lansing actively promotes donation initiatives, reinforcing best practices and prioritizing ongoing education. Nurses, involved in Gift of Life’s Nurse Donation Council, participate in programs aimed at improving referral processes and tackling barriers. This dedication has led to multiple Champions Award winners from the hospital since the program’s inception in 2018, including recognitions for storytelling, nursing, and donation liaison excellence.
“We are honored to be recognized for what we view as a noble cause,” said Ann Marie Creed, President of UM Health-Sparrow Lansing. “We aim to provide hope through the generosity of organ donors and promote Gift of Life Michigan’s mission.”
Inspired by their mission, UM Health-Sparrow Lansing has created special ways to honor donors and their families. Since 2024, a Donate Life flag has flown year-round outside the main entrance. Furthermore, in 2025, the hospital commemorated its first donor family memorial ceremony, unveiling a permanent tree that will have names added every April in recognition of National Donate Life Month.
UM Health-Sparrow Lansing will be recognized during the annual Champions Gala on May 1 at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace in Novi. Since its start in 2019, this event has honored nearly 160 individuals and organizations for their support of organ, eye, and tissue donation across Michigan. The gala celebrates efforts ranging from growing the Michigan Organ Donor Registry to impactful work in schools and communities.
For more information about the Champions Gala, visit the Gala Champions webpage.
Recent statistics show that the demand for organ donations continues to rise. According to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, more than 100,000 people are currently waiting for organ transplants in the U.S. This underscores the vital role of hospitals like UM Health-Sparrow Lansing in promoting organ donation and saving lives.
Overall, the efforts of UM Health-Sparrow Lansing exemplify how hospitals can make a profound impact on their communities, transforming loss into hope and healing.
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