Nola Sizemore

Staff Writer

Harlan Circuit Court Clerk Paul Williams said anyone wishing to become an organ donor may now make their wishes known by having a small blue heart placed on their driver’s license or identification card.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KTC), in conjunction with the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks Trust for Life, worked together to make the symbol available.

“The Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks began the Trust for Life Program several years ago,” said Williams. “It’s gotten bigger every year and this is just a way of making it easier for emergency personnel to see that individuals are organ donors.”

In the past, Williams said a sticker was placed on the back of the driver’s license indicating the driver was an organ donor. He said now the blue heart symbol will be engraved into the license or identification card.

“This began on Tuesday and thus far we haven’t had anyone come in for a license to use the new logo,” said Williams. “We have a lot of organ donors in the county and when it comes time for their renewal the new logo will be placed on their licenses if they wish. You also have a choice of donating $1 to the Trust for Life Program when you obtain or renew your driver’s license. I’d encourage everyone to become an organ donor — it saves lives.”

If anyone chooses to become an organ donor their name will be placed on the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry. This registry is a confidential database of registered organ donors in the state. The registry was established in 2006 by an act of the Kentucky Legislature. Kentucky residents may also join the organ donor registry online at www.donatelifeky.org.

Tom Zawacki, commissioner of the KTC Department of Vehicle Regulation, said in a press release, “Every blue heart signifies a desire to help those in need and gives more hope to those on the transplant list.”

Those wishing to add the blue organ donor heart symbol to their license prior to their driver’s license renewal time may purchase a duplicate license at their circuit clerk’s office for $12. Those waiting to add the heart until their license is renewed will be charged the regular renewal fee of $20. The cost to add the heart symbol and your name to the registry is free.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510 or at nsizemore@civitasmedia.com