Hamilton County Clerk Bill Knowles, one of the founding board members of the Tennessee County Clerks Organ Donor Awareness Foundation, announced that in 2015 the 95 Tennessee County Clerk offices marked a milestone of receiving almost $5 million in donations since its formation in 1996.
Mr. Knowles said, “Over the years Hamilton County consistently ranks among the top Tennessee Clerk offices in receiving dollar donations from local motorists titling or registering a vehicle.
“I appreciate the generosity of local citizens for their continued interest in helping spread the word of organ and tissue needs. Many financial donors have a connection to the program’s importance…they know someone whose life has been saved because of an organ transplant or a donor who passed on the gift of life.”
Tom McRedmond, executive director of the Clerk’s program said, “Hamilton County is a pillar of the Foundation.”
Mr.
Knowles said, “The Donate a Dollar program sponsored by State County Clerk offices has been critical to the development of the Donate Life Tennessee online registry, the creation and distribution of educational materials, school based programs and recognition programs for organ and tissue donors. The board comprised of physicians, donor service professionals and county clerk representatives are conscientious in administering the donated funds.
“More than 7,000 Tennessee citizens have been given the gift of life through organ transplantation since 2006. Currently in Tennessee there are 2,800 citizens waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. Unfortunately, unless the messages of the Clerk Foundation, the non-profit Tennessee Donor Services and the Mid-South Transplant Foundation successfully reach those who can donate a life-saving organ some will die."
Hamilton County citizens can join with other Tennesseans and register to be an organ donor. It can be done by simply Checking YES when applying for or renewing a driver’s license or by contacting Tennessee Donor Services at 651 E 4th St., Suite 402, Chattanooga, Tn. 37403, or 423 756-5736.