On Tuesday the Donor Network of Nevada inaugurated an in‑house donor care unit in the east valley of Las Vegas. The new facility is designed to streamline the organ, tissue and ocular donation process, allowing donors to be transported to a single location for recovery and support.
Local impact and family stories
For many families, a single phone call can mean the difference between life and loss. Breanna Love knows that truth all too well. At age 11 she was diagnosed with sudden heart failure and given only three days to live. After a frantic search for a donor, she received a heart transplant within two weeks and now, at 21, works with the Donor Network of Nevada to advocate for others awaiting transplants.
“There are over 700 Nevadans waiting for a transplant,” Love said. “Any way we can help, we’d absolutely love to.” Her story underscores the vital role the new unit will play in accelerating donor recovery and expanding the pool of available organs.
Facility features and goals
Gordon Poutry, president of the Donor Network of Nevada Foundation, explained that the unit will enable donors to be brought directly to the site for recovery, reducing transport time and preserving tissue viability. “It will also streamline our process for tissue and ocular donation,” Poutry said. “We really believe, we know, that it will help increase outcomes for recipients.”
The center provides a comfortable environment for donor families, offering private rooms, counseling services, and coordinated logistics for organ recovery teams. By consolidating these services, the network aims to improve efficiency and increase the number of successful transplants across Nevada.
Personal testimonies
Courtyard Kaplans, whose son Michael became an organ donor at 18 after a motorcycle crash, described the profound impact of his gift. Michael’s donations helped six families, and Kaplans said, “Seeing where my life is now and the impact Michael’s gift had on six beautiful families is a second chance at life for me as well.”
Stories like Kaplans’ and Love’s illustrate how donor care extends beyond the medical procedure, offering comfort and hope to grieving families while honoring the generosity of donors.
Looking ahead
The new donor care unit arrives at a time when Nevada faces a growing need for organ and tissue donations. With more than 700 residents on waiting lists, the facility’s ability to expedite recovery and improve outcomes could save countless lives in the coming years.
Community members are encouraged to learn more about organ donation and consider registering as donors. The Donor Network of Nevada continues to host outreach events and educational programs throughout the state, reinforcing the message that a single decision can give many families a second chance.
Original reporting: KTNV 13 Action News Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
