A living kidney transplant can shorten the wait time—yet, finding a donor is often one of the most challenging parts of the transplant journey.
That's where UC Health’s DRIVE Yard Sign Scholarship Program comes in.
Outside Our Walls
The DRIVE yard sign scholarship program: helping patients raise awareness for living kidney donation
Aug. 17, 2026
Did you know that more than 90,000 people in the United States are currently waiting for a kidney transplant? While dialysis can sustain life, a kidney transplant offers the best chance for survival.
The DRIVE Yard Sign Scholarship Program provides eligible kidney transplant candidates with outreach materials designed to raise awareness and connect potential donors with the information they need to take the next step.
A simple sign, a powerful message
Many patients feel uncomfortable discussing their need for a living kidney donor. At the same time, family members, friends and community members often want to help but don't know how.
The DRIVE Yard Sign Scholarship Program provides eligible kidney transplant candidates with outreach materials designed to raise awareness and connect potential donors with the information they need to take the next step.
One of the program's most effective tools is also one of its simplest: a yard sign.
A sign can be placed in a front yard, community space, at a church or workplace. These signs help bring a patient's story into the community and spark conversations about living donation.
Each yard sign features the patient's photo and a QR code, giving people a low-pressure way to learn more, complete a donor questionnaire and explore whether living donation may be right for them.
A sign can be placed in a front yard, community space, at a church or workplace. These signs help bring a patient's story into the community and spark conversations about living donation.
The DRIVE approach
The DRIVE framework helps patients thoughtfully and comfortably share their story while building awareness about living donation.
D — Define your story
Every transplant journey is personal. Patients are encouraged to share who they are, how kidney disease has affected their life and what a transplant could make possible.
R — Release it to your inner circle
The first step is often sharing your story with trusted family members, friends, coworkers, faith communities and neighbors.
I — Invite awareness, not obligation
The goal is education—not pressure. Patients are encouraged to create opportunities for others to learn about living donation and explore the possibility for themselves.
V — Value the pause
Living donation is a significant decision. People may need time to ask questions, gather information and reflect before taking the next step.
E — Expand thoughtfully
If a donor does not come forward immediately, patients can broaden their outreach through yard signs, social media, community groups, printed materials and peer support networks.
The UC Health Transplant team provides expert care, education and personalized support for both kidney transplant recipients and living donors, helping patients navigate every step with confidence.
Share your story, spread awareness
If you are a UC Health kidney transplant candidate currently being evaluated for transplant and would like to learn more about the DRIVE Yard Sign Scholarship Program, contact your transplant coordinator.
Every conversation starts with awareness. By sharing your story, you can help others learn about living donation and open the door to a life-changing opportunity.
The UC Health Transplant team provides expert care, education and personalized support for both kidney transplant recipients and living donors, helping patients navigate every step with confidence.
Interested in learning more about living kidney donation? Whether you're considering becoming a donor or simply want more information, the UC Health transplant team can help guide you through the process. Complete this form to connect with our team.
For more information on this program, call 513-584-8313.