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San Ramon-based organ and tissue recovery organization Donor Network West surpassed its all-time annual record of organ donors, a feat that was joined by several other achievements made throughout 2020.
According to Donor Network West staff, the group coordinated 411 organ donors resulting in 1,177 organs transplanted during 2020, including 120 total heart transplants — a record breaking number for the organization — for patients in northern California and northern Nevada.
“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,” Whaley added.
The month of December also saw a record breaking day, with Donor Network West recording its highest number of organ donors and organs transplanted in a single month, receiving organs from 50 donors from whom 149 organs were transplanted.
Staff say Donor Network West also recovered its highest number of donations after circulatory death (DCD) donors in 2020, with 110 DCD donors, the third highest among the nation’s 58 organ procurement organizations.
Donor Network West also achieved a first for the entire west coast in the fall of 2020, when it coordinated the donation of hearts from two DCD donors, resulting in two patients receiving transplants.
“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,” said Whaley.
While Donor Network West did just see a record setting year, staff say the need for organ and tissue donations continues to grow, with more than 100,000 people currently 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 donations, Donor Network West staff said. To learn more about organ and tissue donation or to register as a donor, interested residents can visit their local Department of Motor Vehicles office or go to www.DonorNetworkWest.org.
