Kentucky circuit clerks celebrate Donate Life Month, surpass national goals

Community News

Monday, April 4, 2016 — Nelson Circuit Court Clerk Diane Thompson reminds Nelson County residents that April is National Donate Life Month.

This April is particularly noteworthy because Kentucky has surpassed the National Goal. Today 50% of Kentuckians are register organ donors.

Since 2007, the state’s circuit court clerks and their deputies have asked every Kentuckian getting a driver’s license or ID to join the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry.

“Our goal is to make life possible by educating and motivating individuals to register their decision to be organ, eye and tissue donors,” Thompson said. “Joining the confidential registry is stating your willingness to save lives. Every person who says ‘yes’ gives hope and shows support for patients in need.”

One organ donor can save the lives of up to eight people, give sight to two individuals through cornea donation and heal countless others through tissue donation.

Since 1992, the Nelson Circuit Clerk’s Office has worked for this mission by collecting $1 for the Trust For Life’s educational initiatives. The number of people in need of transplants continues to outpace the number of organs donated. More than 121,000 people are waiting for a transplant and a second chance at life. Unfortunately, an average of 22 people die each day because the organ they need is not donated in time.

Now, Kentucky circuit clerks and their deputies are working towards the next goal of reaching 75 percent on the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry. Regardless of age or medical history, everyone can register to be a hero and make life possible at www.donatelifekyorg . If you have questions or need help registering call the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerk’s Trust For Life at 1 (866) 945-5433.

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