CITIZEN STAFF REPORT
Each April, the Circuit Court Clerks of Kentucky lead the statewide observance of National Donate Life Month. This annual campaign honors the lifesaving gift of organ, eye and tissue donation while raising awareness about the continued need for registered donors.
This year, Donate Life Kentucky Trust is highlighting the tangible results of that effort. In 2023, transplant teams at UK HealthCare and UofL Health – Jewish Hospital saved 320 lives. Of those, 192 transplants were made possible by individuals who had registered as donors before their deaths.
“These numbers are extraordinary,” said Denise Gauze, Martin County Circuit Clerk. “That’s 192 people who made a selfless decision during their lifetime—one that became a miracle for someone else. Our Donate Life Kentucky Trust organization and our supporters have worked tirelessly to inspire and educate Kentuckians since 1992. These efforts are literally saving lives. It fills me with pride and gratitude.”
Gauze emphasized that the possibility of healing is behind every registered donor. When people don’t register, she said, their families often hesitate to consent during times of sudden loss. She encourages Kentuckians to register in advance and talk to their loved ones.
“Registering your decision brings clarity and compassion,” Gauze said. “It increases the chance that lives will be saved.”
This month, Donate Life Kentucky Trust is also celebrating a new milestone in accessibility. The MyChart Patient Portal—used by many healthcare providers in the state—now connects directly to the National Donate Life Registry. The integration allows patients to register as donors online with just a few clicks.
The 2025 Donate Life Month theme, “Let Life Sing!,” features artwork inspired by birds—symbols of hope, renewal and remembrance. Residents are invited to participate in events and activities throughout the month that honor donors and promote registration.
Gauze said she hopes more people will take a moment this April to reflect on the impact of donation and to act.
“Every registration is a potential second chance at life,” she said.
How to participate in Donate Life Month:
•Register your decision to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor at KYTC Regional Driver’s License Offices at RegisterMe.org or in your iPhone Health app.
•Talk to your family about your decision.
•Learn about living donation as a way to give life while still living.
•Shine a Light for donation by lighting your home in blue and green and tagging @DonateLifeKentucky on social media.
Key events this month include:
•Donate Life Blue & Green Spirit Week, April 5–12
•National Donate Life Blue & Green Day, April 11
•National Pediatric Transplant Week, April 20–26
Learn more by going to donatelifeky.org or texting or calling 1-502-694-3015.