Donor Network West Ties All-Time Annual Record Of Organ Donors
Records Highest Number of Organ Donors and Organs Transplanted in December 2020
SAN RAMON, Calif. – January 15, 2021 – Donor Network West, the federally designated organ procurement organization for Northern California and Northern Nevada, coordinated 411 organ donors, matching its all-time annual record of organ donors set in 2019. The organization’s life-saving work remained strong throughout the pandemic, resulting in 1,177 organs transplanted. In December 2020, Donor Network West recorded its single month record of the highest number of organ donors and organs transplanted, with 50 donors from whom 149 organs were transplanted.
Donor Network West also recovered its highest number of donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors, with 110 DCD donors, the third highest among the nation’s 58 organ procurement organizations. In the fall of 2020, Donor Network West achieved a first on the West Coast, when it coordinated the donation of hearts from two DCD donors, resulting in two patients receiving transplants and a second chance at life, both in San Diego.
The organization also set a record with 120 total hearts transplanted in a year. This was the highest number of hearts transplanted in one year in its history.
“The ability of our organization to match our historical record from 2019 during a global pandemic is a testament to our passionate and mission-driven team, that works every day to save and heal lives through organ and tissue donation,” said Janice F. Whaley, President and CEO of Donor Network West. “The coordinated efforts of our team, in partnership with our hospitals, transplant centers, doctors, nurses, healthcare professionals, funeral homes, coroners and medical examiners, continues to ensure that we accomplish our mission. Together, we work to make sure that the wishes of our generous donors are honored, their families are comforted by their loved one’s legacy and most importantly, that transplant recipients have a second chance at life. All of this means that those waiting for a life-saving organ transplant can continue to have hope.”
There are more than 100,000 people waiting for an organ transplant in the United States. One donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and heal as many as 75 people through tissue donation. To learn more about organ and tissue donation and to register as a donor, visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or go to DonorNetworkWest.org.