Beech Tree News Network

Starting Jan. 23, 2013, you can add a symbol that stands for hope and generosity on something you carry with you everywhere: your driver’s license.  Like Indiana, Ohio and several other states, Kentuckians will soon have the option to have an organ donor heart printed on their license.

 “For more than 20 years, the Circuit Clerks of Kentucky have been educating communities about the life-saving mission of organ donation.  Thousands of kids and adults are waiting for an organ transplant today.  Now, Kentuckians can proudly show their support for these patients in need,” explains Butler County Circuit Court Clerk, Melissa Cardwell.

When renewing a license, deputy clerks ask all Kentuckians if they would like to be a registered organ donor.  Everyone who says “Yes” will have the option to have a small, blue heart with the words “Organ Donor” printed on his or her license.  The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has worked hand in hand with the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks and the Trust for Life to get the heart symbol added to driver’s license and ID cards.

“This is an important advancement in Kentucky.  The organ donor heart will emphasize that it’s not about signing the back of your license anymore.  It’s about saying ‘Yes’ and joining the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry,” explained Shelley Snyder, Executive Director of the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks’ Trust For Life.

Each day 18 patients die waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.  Every 10 minutes a new name is added to the waiting list.  Only 35 percent of Kentuckians are registered organ donors.

"Everyone who comes into my office for a driver’s license or ID can add his or her name to the confidential registry and receive the Organ Donor Heart.  Every heart we print, gives hope to patients and families in need,” explained Melissa Cardwell.

 All Kentucky residents can join the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry at their Circuit Court Clerk’s office or online at www.donatelifeky.org.

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The Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks’ Trust For Life is a 501C(3) non-profit organization that informs, educates, and encourages Kentuckians to be registered organ & tissue donors to save lives.  For more information call 1-866-945-LIFE, email [email protected] or go to www.trustforlife.org.  Shelley Snyder, Executive Director, can be reached by cell phone at 502-322-5401.