Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Media Contact:
Sarah Johns | Public Information Officer
Sjohns@washoecounty.gov | (775) 785-6235
Donor Network West Media Contact:
Lauren Macmadu | VP of Marketing and Communications
LMacmadu@dnwest.org | (925) 597-8082
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and Donor Network West are partnering for the third time in observance of National Donor Day to kick off the “Second Chances” program designed to educate Washoe County residents about organ, eye and tissue donation, and encourage more Washoe County residents to register as organ donors. National Donor Day, observed every Feb. 14, is a day dedicated to spreading awareness and education about organ, eye and tissue donation, and recognizing those who have given and received the gift of life, those currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant and those who have died waiting because an organ was not donated in time. The “Second Chances” campaign will run through Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022.
The “Second Chances” program allows Deputy Sheriffs, at their discretion, to give motorists who are registered organ donors and who are pulled over for minor traffic violations a warning ticket, as opposed to a fine. Drivers who have the official organ donor heart on their up-to-date Nevada driver’s license will be told that they are being given a second chance to correct their violation without a fine – because their status as an organ donor gives a fellow citizen a second chance at life.
“Everyone knows that the words ‘license and registration, please,’ is one of the worst phrases any driver wants to hear,” Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said. “This program turns a stressful situation – being pulled over by a law enforcement officer – into a surprising and positive outcome for those who are registered organ donors. This program thanks organ donors and, hopefully, will encourage more Nevadans to give others a second chance,” Balaam said. “The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is honored to participate in this program.”
In addition, at the discretion of individual Deputy Sheriffs, drivers who are not registered organ donors and are pulled over for minor traffic violations may be informed that they are being given a second chance to fix their violation without a fine in exchange for their serious consideration of becoming a registered organ donor.
“Donor Network West is proud to continue our partnership with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office to raise awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation,” said Janice Whaley, President and CEO of Donor Network West. “With more than 600 Nevadans currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, the need for more people to register as organ donors continues to be great. The “Second Chances” program provides a significant opportunity for us to reach motorists throughout Washoe County about organ donation. I applaud the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office for their continued commitment to helping save and heal more lives through organ and tissue donation.”
This program is being conducted in partnership with Donor Network West, the federally designated nonprofit organ procurement organization responsible for facilitating the recovery of organs, eyes and tissues in northern Nevada and northern California.
There are more than 600 Nevadans currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant and more than 100,000 people waiting nationwide. Sadly, approximately 20 people die every day because the organ they need was not donated in time. While 95% of Americans support organ donation, only about half are registered organ donors and of those less than one percent of people die in a manner that facilitates organ donation.
For more information about this program, or to find how your municipality, organization or group can become involved, visit the Donor Network West website: DonorNetworkWest.org.
About Washoe County Sheriff’s Office:
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.
About Donor Network West
Donor Network West saves and heals lives by facilitating organ and tissue recovery for transplantation and research. The organization was established in 1987 and is an official Donate Life organization accredited by the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) and the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB). Federally designated to serve 45 counties in northern Nevada and northern California, Donor Network West partners with the Department of Motor Vehicles and the state-authorized donor registries. For information, visit DonorNetworkWest.org and follow us on social media: @mydnwest.
