Compassionate Capitalism - June 2005

Nevada Donor Network

Encouraging People to Give the Gift of Life

Nevada Donor Network (NDN) is responsible for the coordination, recovery and distribution of donated human organs and tissues for transplantation and medical research throughout Southern Nevada. It is a federally designated, not-for-profit organ, tissue and eye procurement organization. NDN participates in national organ and tissue sharing in an effort to meet the ever-growing needs of patients awaiting transplantation therapy. Currently, 88,000 Americans are on the national waiting list; on average, 15 people die every day waiting for a transplant.

NDN has served Southern Nevada since 1987, and was formally known as DORS (Donor Organ Recovery Services). It is one of the few organ procurement agencies in the country to manage the recovery of organs, tissues and eyes in the same facility, making Nevada progressive in the field of organ and tissue procurement.

"Our mission is to improve the quality of human life through the recovery of all available organs and tissues for transplantation and medical research, while maintaining the dignity of the donors and their families," explained Ken Richardson, executive director of NDN.

NDN is certified by the Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). It is also accredited by the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations, the American Association of Tissue Banks and the Eye Bank Association of America.

The Nevada Donor Network has trained staff available 24 hours a day to counsel families and medical staff about organ and tissue donation, determine medical suitability for donation, and coordinate the recovery and distribution of donated organs and tissues.

NDN provides a routine follow-up to all healthcare providers and donor families. Its Keepsake Program provides follow-up support for donor families for up to two years after donation. Participants receive informative and inspirational literature regarding grief and organ donation. It also promotes a support group known as Champions of Organ Sharing (COS), which is made up of organ recipients, donor families and those waiting for transplants.

One COS member who is a heart recipient said, "My transplant has done other things for me that are not necessarily tangible or quantifiable. A friend of mine received a heart transplant about four months before I did. He was a very sick individual, and had been on the list for about three years. Consequently, while waiting, he was in deep despair and about ready to give up. Toward the end of his long wait, he got some words of wisdom from an acquaintance who himself had received a liver transplant. This person told my friend that those awaiting organ transplants have a unique perspective on life. He pointed out that everybody is going to die someday, but really has no idea when. Those awaiting an organ transplant, however, have a more finite idea of when they could be gone. Therefore, they should look at any extra time they might get as a bonus. He suggested to my friend that if you are fortunate enough to get your transplant and a second chance at life, make the most of it."

"Our employees are proud to work for a company that saves lives," said Richardson. "Our major frustration is that so many additional lives could be saved if more people would say ‘yes’ to donation. One person saying ‘yes’ can save up to eight lives, and by agreeing to tissue donation, he or she can enhance the lives of up to 70 people. We are continuing to work hard to educate the public about the shortage of organs and tissues and we are always looking for quality volunteers to help us communicate with the public. Educating the community about the virtues of organ and tissue donation is a large job."

Contact Box

www.nvdonor.org