Every September, Donate Life America, a Richmond, Virginia-based nonprofit, hosts DMV Appreciation Month to honor the efforts of its DMV partners that have helped more than 170 million people register to donate their organs.

The need for organ donors is significant. According to the United Network for Organ Sharing, there are over 100,000 people in the United States currently on the national transplant waiting list, with 17 people dying each day waiting for an organ transplant. Increasing the number of registered donors enhances the likelihood of matching donors with recipients, potentially saving more lives.

During DMV Appreciation Month, Donate Life America honors an office and an individual for their unique contributions to the lifesaving cause. The Innovation Award goes to a DMV or driver license partner (DLP) office that has implemented a unique and engaging event, activity or practice that demonstrates the Donate Life mission as part of its office culture. The Lifesaver Award recognizes a staff member who demonstrates exceptional commitment to the DMV/DLP’s role as a partner in saving lives through donation and transplantation.

We spoke with the 2024 recipients of both awards about what it means to them and what they’re doing to help save lives.

The Innovative Partner

Sheri Gipson, Driver License Division Chief, Texas Department of Public Safety

Under Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Division’s Chief Sheri Gipson’s leadership, Donate Life Texas (DLT) launched the “No” Cards Initiative at the Denton, Texas, driver license office in 2023.

The reason for the “no” cards? Chief Gipson noticed a recurring issue where individuals often marked “no” on their organ donation preference either due to a lack of understanding about the program or by mistake. The cards are given specifically to customers at the point of service when they indicate “no” and contain essential details about the benefits and process of organ donation, along with links to the DLT website and instructions on how to remove yourself from the registry if needed. Chief Gipson says education is key.

“A lot of people are hesitant to say ‘yes’ because they think they have health issues or they’re too old, but one of the most important things I’ve learned from Donate Life is that we shouldn’t assume we couldn’t benefit someone else in the event of our passing,” she says, adding that even if certain organs are not viable, other parts, such as corneas, can still be used to help others.

With the help of the Texas DPS, DLT has been able to promote accuracy and efficiency of the registry and give Texans control over their registration status while still promoting and keeping the option to register on the driver’s license application available.

“It’s a great honor,” Chief Gipson says of the award. “It’s one of those programs you can really get behind because it has such meaning. It’s the ability to help someone have a better quality of life.”

The Lifesaver

Sanela Hall, Manager, Missouri DMV

As a manager at the South Kingshighway office of the Missouri DMV for 19 years, Sanela Hall has dedicated much of her career to the Donate Life mission.

Hall’s journey to the Lifesaver Award is rooted in her personal and professional background. Originally from the former Yugoslavia, Hall is a proud immigrant who has leveraged her unique perspective to connect with the diverse community she serves. Many customers at the DMV are immigrants, often hesitant about organ donation due to cultural and religious misconceptions. Hall’s approach involves addressing these concerns directly and empathetically, providing facts to dispel myths. By patiently educating them, Hall has successfully changed the minds of countless customers.

“When they would answer ‘no,’ I would just talk to them in a friendly way and ask them why,” Hall says. “So I can’t even describe what it feels like to be called a ‘lifesaver’ and be given this award.”

But Hall’s role at the DMV extends beyond simple advocacy. She has created an environment where discussions about organ donation are a routine part of customer interactions. Whether people are there for vehicle transactions or driver’s license renewals, Hall ensures they are informed about the option to become organ donors. She has organized events and set up informational tables in her office, often sitting with representatives from Mid-America Transplant Services to talk to individuals waiting in line.

She also maintains a blog where she shares stories and information about organ donation, aiming to reach a broader audience online. This platform has allowed her to amplify her message, sharing the profound impact that organ donation can have on both donors and recipients.

“I think that this award is going to be the biggest accomplishment in my life,” Hall says. “Regardless of whatever I accomplish in the future, this is going to be closest to my heart.”