Honor National Donate Life Month by registering as an organ donor

Recent organ donation statistics say that over 1,000 people in Kentucky are waiting for organ donation.

(PADUCAH, KY) April 27, 2023 - As many Kentuckians begin to renew licenses and receive the new, real ID, it is a great time to consider becoming an organ donor. Recent organ donation statistics say that over 1,000 people in Kentucky are waiting for organ donation, and hundreds more are on the list for life-enhancing transplants that include cornea and tissue transplants. Take action this month, for national donate life month, by making a decision that could save up to eight lives.

It is important to know your donation options. Organ donation is not the only donation that can save lives. Less well-known are tissue and eye donations. Tissue donation consists of bone, cartilage, fascia, heart valves, ligaments, pericardium, skin, tendons and veins. One tissue donor can heal more than 50 lives. Eye donation is another option. Each year, over 1,000 Kentuckians have their sight restored by a cornea transplant.

In 2022, 239 organ donors and 539 tissue donors saved nearly 600 lives across the Commonwealth – a 23% increase in organ donation compared to 2021 and the most lives saved in any year.

Although there has been a steady increase in organ donors, 20 people still die each day waiting for a transplant. While 95% of U.S. adults say they support organ donation, only 54% are registered as donors. You can make the difference by registering as an organ donor today.

Registration to become a Kentucky organ donor can be done online or in person at the local KY DMV Office. For in person, sign up can be done when receiving or renewing a driver’s license or state ID card. To become a donor online, sign up at the Kentucky donor registry.

As you consider this decision, here are some answers to frequently asked questions:

• You can donate an organ at any age (persons under the age of 18 may have some restrictions and consent from legal guardian is required)
• All major religions approve of tissue and organ donation
• A donation is possible with many medical conditions
• A national database and strict standards ensure the fair and ethical distribution of organs
• Financial status is not a factor in getting a transplant
• You can be a living donor of a kidney or part of the liver, intestine, lung, bone marrow or blood

Your legacy continues on when you share your life with others. For more information, visit Donate Life KY.