News
Back-to-school, big conversations: Teens and organ donation
August 22, 2025
The start of a new school year is more than just fresh notebooks and sharpened pencils—it’s also a fresh opportunity to have important conversations at home. For parents, guardians, and educators, back-to-school time is the perfect moment to talk with teens about organ donation. These formative years are when young people begin to shape their values, make independent choices, and consider how they can make a positive impact in the world.
In Tennessee, thousands of teens learn about organ, eye, and tissue donation each year through school programs, community events, and volunteer opportunities, such as the Teen Ambassador Program. Talking to teens about organ donation now not only helps them understand the lifesaving impact of saying “yes,” but also empowers them to carry that message into their schools and communities. Whether it’s over dinner, on the drive to school, or during a health class discussion, these conversations can inspire the next generation of advocates.
LET’S LOOK AT THE NUMBERS
Teen Organ Donation By The Numbers
teen donor heroes in 2024
Teen Organ Donation By The Numbers
people in need of a transplant in the U.S.
Teen Organ Donation By The Numbers
percent of teens have discussed donation with guardians
Teen Organ Donation By The Numbers
GET INVOLVED
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Passionate about making a difference? Join our Teen Ambassador Program! Learn about organ donation, inspire your community, and earn volunteer hours while you do it. 💚 Sign up today to start your journey of saving lives and helping with things like:
- Passing out SWAG! 👕
- Attending fun events 🎉
- Playing games 🎲
- Teaching about organ donation 🧑🏫
- AND SO MUCH MORE!
Email Trisha Lopez, External Affairs Coordinator at trisha.lopez@dcids.org
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#DLTNStartTheRipple
2025 HOSA
Leadership
Conference
Learning about organ donation
So many teens stopped by our Donate Life Tennessee booth at the 2025 HOSA Leadership Conference this year! We are excited that each of them has #StartedtheRipple. 🫁🫀💚💙
💙🎒Back-to-school Season!💪💚
TDS External Affairs Coordinator, Dallas Payeton talks with students at the Mt. Zion Church Back-to-school Bash!
TDS External Affairs Coordinator, Alex Comas, with the ladies from 92Q at their Back-to-School event in partnership with Kroger!
TDS in the Classroom
Students at Sequatchie County High School
Ambassador Lisa Boullt speaks to kids at Benny Bills Elementary School
McGavock High School Career Day
TDS AMBASSADORS
Our Ambassadors are some of the most passionate voices for organ, eye, and tissue donation. They love stepping into classrooms and community spaces to share their personal stories—stories of hope, healing, and second chances. Whether they’re speaking to a small health class or an auditorium full of students, their goal is the same: to connect, inspire, and spark conversations about the importance of saying “yes” to donation.
From rural schools to bustling urban campuses, Ambassadors meet students from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. They know that each audience brings unique perspectives and questions, and they welcome every conversation. These interactions aren’t just about education—they’re about building understanding, listening to concerns, and showing students how one decision can make a world of difference.
Thank you to all of our school partners!
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Sequatchie County High School
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Benny Bills Elementary
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McGavock High School
Listen to this #BeTheGift Connections Podcast episode, where Jay Mazon speaks about her 15-year-old son and donor hero – Anthony “Peanut” Glenn, Jr.
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Yes, very small children most often receive donations from other young people.
Yes, children can receive donations of partial organs, such as a piece of liver or lung.
Yes, anyone over the age of 15 in TN can register to be an organ and tissue donor. The donation decision, however, is made by parents/guardians until age 18.
WAYS TO REGISTER:
- Through the local Driver Services Center while getting a new or renewed license. And don’t forget your Donate Life Tennessee specialty license plate! Pre-order here.
- DonatelifeTN.org or Tennesseedonor.org
- Apple Health App
Stay updated with lifesaving news across our social media platforms!
About Tennessee Donor Services
An Extraordinary Commitment to Science, Health, and Hope
Tennessee Donor Services a non-profit, organ procurement organization (OPO) dedicated to saving and improving lives by connecting organ and tissue donations to the patients who need them. TDS serves nearly five and a half million people in Tennessee and Virginia.
