As we continue to monitor and adapt to the ever-changing COVID-19 situation, Donor Network West remains committed to our mission to save and heal lives through organ donation and transplantation. We have taken proactive measures to ensure the donation wishes of potential donors are fulfilled, to support the donor families, and to give hope to waiting recipients.
Our frontline team members, as healthcare professionals, follow the Universal Precautions designed to prevent transmission of infectious diseases. All donors are tested for the COVID-19 virus. If a donor tests positive for the virus, we will not move forward with the case and we will notify the donor hospital staff and next of kin.
At this time, patients with active COVID-19 infections are unable to become donors. While there has been no reporting of the impact of COVID-19 on recipients, at this time, transplant centers have limited their acceptance of organs to those who have tested negative for COVID-19 at this time. This may change as more research and data becomes available.
There is no higher priority to Donor Network West than the safety of our donor families, recipients, volunteers, partners, and staff. As such, we have taken the necessary measures to minimize in-person interactions by canceling events, utilizing video conferencing and limiting the number of physical staff in our facilities and at hospitals.
We express our deepest gratitude to our frontline team members for their extraordinary efforts to save and heal lives through organ and tissue donation during these difficult times. As always, we continue to encourage our community to register as a donor to help those in need, to follow us on social media (@mydnwest), and to share our Donate Life message.
Please refer to the CDC website for the most current information on how to prepare and protect your home.
