If you are a registered organ, eye and tissue donor, chances are great that you became one when you visited your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Adding the heart to your license is something that more than 140 million Americans made the decision to do when they became registered donors at the DMV. As a show of thanks for these efforts, this year organ and tissue organizations across the country celebrate Sept. 24-28 as National DMV Appreciation Week.

As an Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) and tissue bank, LifeNet Health knows firsthand the difference that organ and tissue donors make in patient’s lives. Today, there are approximately 115,000 people waiting for a life-saving organ transplant in the U.S. Having enough donors registered is imperative because 22 people die each day waiting for an organ transplant.

Becoming a registered donor is easy and can have a tremendous impact. One donor can help save the lives of nine people with organ donation and restore the health and give hope to more than 150 more people with tissue donation. It all starts with saying yes at the DMV to the little red heart.

It’s a simple act. Go to your local DMV, and sign up to donate in person or register on-line at RegisterMe.org. Within a few short minutes, registration is complete. If you are already registered as a donor, take time to let your family and friends know of your wishes.

If you happen to be at the DMV this week or happen upon a DMV staff member, take a moment to thank them for the difference that they make in our community.