Northern Michigan University is among 14 state schools participating in the annual Gift of Life Michigan Campus Challenge, an organ and tissue donor drive competition. NMU students, alumni and other supporters can register to become an organ donor here until Feb. 22. NMU was in second place in the real-time results as of Feb. 10.

“I am personally inspired to be a donor because of the about 3,000 people who are waiting for a life-saving organ in Michigan today,” said Gift of Life Challenge NMU student leader Georgia Harrison. Nationwide, the number stands at about 114,000. People die waiting every single day because the number in need greatly outpaces the organs available. I know that the decision to someday donate organs could save up to eight lives.”

According to its website, the Gift of Life Michigan Campus Challenge is the largest college-based organ donor drive in the nation and has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for its success. In its 13-year history, the Campus Challenge has resulted in more than 38,000 people adding their names to the Michigan Organ Donor Registry. More than 54 percent of adults in Michigan have already joined.

Along with the online registration, the NMU Volunteer Center will host registration tables across campus as follows: 1-5 p.m. Monday, Feb 13, in the LRC circulation area; 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, in the Halverson lobby; and 5:30-7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, at the air band competition in the Jamrich Hall lobby.