Lansing's Shocking Hospital of the Year Win: What They’re Hiding Could Change Everything!

Published: March 25, 2026

LANSING, Mich. – In a commendable recognition of its dedication to life-saving initiatives, Gift of Life Michigan has named the University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Lansing (UM Health-Sparrow Lansing) as the Hospital of the Year. This accolade underscores the hospital's unwavering commitment to organ, eye, and tissue donation, as well as its robust partnership in efforts aimed at saving lives.

In 2025 alone, UM Health-Sparrow Lansing honored the final wishes of 26 organ donors, ranking as the fourth highest in Michigan, alongside 65 tissue donors, the second highest in the state among hospitals. This translates to the potential saving of hundreds of lives, as each organ donor can save up to eight lives, and each tissue donor can aid up to 75 patients in healing. The impact of such generosity is profound, showcasing how much can be achieved through community collaboration.

“The team at Sparrow has cultivated a donation culture that is clearly embraced from administration to frontline staff,” said Dorrie Dils, president and CEO of Gift of Life Michigan. “Their collaborative approach, strong engagement, and support for donor families ensure that every opportunity to save lives is honored.”

The leadership at UM Health-Sparrow Lansing has actively advanced donation initiatives, enhancing expectations for best practices and committing to ongoing education. The hospital's nurses are involved in Gift of Life’s Nurse Donation Council and take part in initiatives designed to bolster referral processes and eliminate barriers to donation. This collaborative spirit has led to multiple Champions Award winners from the hospital since the program's inception in 2018, including the 2018 Storytelling Champion, 2023 Nurse Champion, and 2024 Donation Liaison Champion.

“We are so honored to be recognized by Gift of Life Michigan for what we consider a noble cause,” stated Ann Marie Creed, President of UM Health-Sparrow Lansing. “We are committed to offering hope due to the lasting generosity of organ donors and to promote the mission of Gift of Life Michigan in any way we can.”

UM Health-Sparrow Lansing has also found unique ways to honor the memory of donors and their families. Since 2024, the Donate Life flag has flown year-round outside the hospital's main entrance. In 2025, the hospital held its inaugural donor family memorial ceremony, unveiling a permanent donor memorial tree. Each April, names will be added to this tree as part of National Donate Life Month, providing a lasting tribute to those who have given the gift of life.

UM Health-Sparrow Lansing will be formally recognized at Gift of Life Michigan’s annual Champions Gala on May 1 at Vibe Credit Union Showplace in Novi. This event has honored nearly 160 individuals and organizations that support organ, eye, and tissue donation at the highest level since its inception in 2019. The awards spotlight various contributions to the donation process, from initiatives to grow the Michigan Organ Donor Registry to outstanding work in schools and communities.

For those interested in attending the gala, purchasing tickets, or learning more about Gift of Life Michigan, details can be found on their Gala Champions webpage.