Despite changes at driver’s license offices, the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks remain committed to the mission of organ donation and transplantation.
The Circuit Clerks created the nonprofit Trust For Life (TFL) in 1992, choosing to raise funds for education about the vital need for organ donation, when the mission was not as commonly discussed as it is today. Since then, TFL has raised and invested more than $18 million dollars in organ donation education in Kentucky.
Their efforts have resulted in millions of people saying opting in to organ donation, which in turn has led to a dramatic increase in organ transplants. Most people register as an organ donor when they get a driver’s license. Since 2006, when the online Kentucky Organ Donor Registry was created, the Circuit Clerks have added more than two million names to the registry.
“We are proud of the work we’ve done since 1992, and we know our support must continue,” said Jennifer Besecker, Daviess County Circuit Clerk. “Although we are no longer legally required to ask about the registry and dollar donations because we no longer issue licenses, we see the need in our communities and want to help. Today, nearly 1,000 Kentuckians are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. Across America, 20 people die each day due to this need.”
TFL has become a national award-winning nonprofit for excellence in organ donation education. TFL has mission-focused strategic partners — such as Kosair Charities, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Donate Life America, and Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates — as well as outside philanthropic contributors and volunteers who support this public education to save lives.
“Our vision is to have a world where no one waits for a lifesaving transplant,” said TFL Executive Director Shelley Snyder. “Today, people wait months and years for their gift of life. Like all organizations, we must be nimble and adjust to the ever-changing landscape. We are confident in this next chapter, with the support of our Board and partners statewide, that we will continue to grow and save more lives than ever.”
There are no age or health limits, so anyone can register as a lifesaving donor. For more information about organ, tissue and cornea donation or to register as a donor, visit donatelifeky.org.
