Nashville, Tenn. – Each September, Donate Life Tennessee celebrates National Driver Services Center Appreciation Month, an observance recognizing the incredible collaboration between Donate Life Tennessee and the Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s Driver Services Centers (DSC) across the state.

More than 98% of Tennesseans who register do so during a DSC transaction, making this partnership vital for donation in Tennessee. The first “Yes!” at DSCs sparks hope and healing for the more than 100,000 Americans and 3,000 Tennesseans waiting for their lifesaving transplant.  

“We are proud to partner with Donate Life Tennessee to help save lives through organ and tissue donation,” said Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long. “I commend our team members for making a difference every day by asking Tennesseans if they want to become a donor when they visit a Driver Services Center.”

All Tennesseans are encouraged to register as organ and tissue donors at donatelifetn.org or during their next DSC transaction. Registration takes less than one minute and could save as many as eight lives and improve 75 more through the gift of tissue.

Donate Life Tennessee is a collaboration of the State’s two nonprofit organ procurement organizations (OPOs), Tennessee Donor Services and Mid-South Transplant Foundation. OPOs are the first responders of donation and walk alongside grieving families to support donor heroes and save lives.

“We are deeply grateful to our Department of Safety and Homeland Security partners who are interacting with the public and advocating for organ, eye, and tissue donation. Because of their commitment to saving lives, we can honor the decisions and legacies of Tennessee donor heroes,” said Jill Grandas, CEO of Tennessee Donor Services.

“We invite the community to join us in celebrating our Department of Safety and Homeland Security Driver Services partner. The examiners are on the frontlines, serving the public every day and their mission is greater than what meets the eye. The agency and every single person in it are saving lives every day, and we are so grateful,” said Kim Van Frank, Executive Director of Mid-South Transplant Foundation.

Tennesseans are encouraged to participate in the appreciation activities and are invited to:

– Give hope by registering your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor at your local DSC, at donatelifetn.org, or in your iPhone Health App.

– Write thank you letters to DSC staff and share how you have been affected by donation.

– Share the Donate Life Tennessee message by educating others about how their generosity can save and heal lives.