With one in 20 Americans needing a tissue transplant at some point in their life, it is remarkable that a single tissue donor can help more than 75 people. This is the message of the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office (WCRMEO) and Nevada Donor Network. In 2020, this partnership facilitated a record number of lifesaving and healing donations from 151 tissue donors and 193 ocular donors, potentially benefiting thousands of recipients.
The WCRMEO and Nevada Donor Network have collaborated since 2017 to allow those who die outside of a hospital setting the opportunity to donate the gifts of tissue and corneas.
“The success of our program would not be possible without the generosity of those in our community who were registered donors and/or whose family made the choice for donation during the loss of a loved one” Washoe County Chief Medical Examiner and Coroner Dr. Laura Knight said. “This really serves as a message of hope to our community after what has been a dark year.”
Washoe County Commissioners proclaimed April as National Donate Life Month at their March 23 meeting. This proclamation recognizes the Nevada Donor Network and the WCRMEO for raising awareness about organ, tissue and cornea donation as well as the importance of registering to become a heroic donor.
“Throughout the year and particularly during National Donate Life Month, Nevada Donor Network remains grateful to the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office leadership and staff for their support in making the lifesaving and healing mission of donation possible” Community Development Manager at Nevada Donor Network Monica Myles said. “Through this partnership, we are able to honor the wishes of local heroes and courageous families who choose to look beyond their own loss and help those in desperate need. Together, we bring hope and healing to our northern Nevada community.”
Residents of Washoe County are encouraged to sign up at www.nvdonor.org/washoe to register as organ, eye and tissue donors. To learn more about donation, visit Nevada Donor Network website. Follow Nevada Donor Network on social media for stories from tissue and organ recipients.
