NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — One organization is spreading awareness about the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation in a unique way.
You may soon see new Donate Life TN specialty license plates on the road.
The idea was approved by the state and is meant to spread awareness about being an organ donor.
"The idea that we're stuck in traffic, and we can look at that license plate and that starts a conversation, and it's a conversion that means something. It's deeper than this is a person that lives in Wisconsin, this is saving lives," explained Trisha Lopez, the external affairs coordinator for Donate Life Tennessee.
"I mean, I get a little emotional thinking about putting it on my car. I really do," added Lisa Boullt, an ambassador for Donate Life Tennessee who says the initiative is close to her heart.
"It's such a passion project for me because I lost a little sister. She's been gone 32 years this year. And so she was also an organ donor at 17 years old. She saved 6 people, up to 50 with her tissue, so it's a very personal project to me," she explained.
Today, over 100,000 people are waiting for an organ. About 3,000 live in Tennessee.
Even so, only 44% in Tennessee are registered organ donors, much lower than the national average.
These women are hoping to change that.
They've already pre-sold over 100 plates. They need to get to 1,000 before they're able to produce them.
If you're interested, you can visit the Donate Life TN Plate website.
It costs $35 plus county fees, and is $2 extra if you buy online.
Half of the money for the specialty plate will go back to Donate Life TN.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at nikki.hauser@newschannel5.com.
It's migratory season for billions of animals across the United States. That means millions of birds and butterflies will take a rest stop in Tennessee and Kentucky as they move south for winter. Tennessee state parks are working to create vital habitat for the migrating monarchs. You may be able to follow their lead around your home to help reverse a declining monarch population.
- Lelan Statom
