Beech Tree News Network

“This April, and every day, I am proud of the impact this office had on the lives of others, especially those in need of life-saving organ transplants.  I am humbled at the generosity of our community,” says Butler County Circuit Clerk Melissa Cardwell.  “Even through tough economic times, our community is committed to helping others.”
The Circuit Court Clerk’s office plays a vital role in helping patients in need.  With nearly 1,000 Kentuckians on the waiting list for an organ transplant, the need is greater than ever.  The driver’s license clerks ask every person obtaining a license or ID to donate $1 to the Kentucky Organ Donor Program, and if they wish to be a registered organ donor.
I am honored to announce that in 2012, 395 Butler County residents gave HOPE to patients in need by becoming registered organ donors,” explained Cardwell.
Out of 2971 licenses issued last year, the Butler County driver’s license staff collected $1587 to help the Circuit Clerk’s organ donor awareness program.  These dollar donations go to a separate non-profit called the Trust For Life.  With these funds, the Trust educates Kentucky about the life-saving mission of organ donation through community outreach programs, public speaking, and advertising efforts.
Each day 18 people die awaiting a life-saving organ transplant.  The Circuit Clerk’s office and the dedicated residents of Butler County are working to end the wait and save more lives.  As of January 2013, Kentuckians who renew their license can have a blue organ donor heart printed on their ID.
“Every heart we print, gives hope to patients in need.  We hope everyone will understand that you no longer have to sign the back of your license or use an orange dot.  Simply say YES when you renew you ID to add your name to the confidential Kentucky Organ Donor Registry,” explains Cardwell.
Any adult Kentucky resident can join the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry at their Circuit Court Clerk’s office or online at www.donatelifeky.org  Any Butler County person touched by the mission of organ donation is encouraged to tell their Gift of Life story through the Trust For Life website www.trustforlife.org