Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation: Information and Resources

As we continue to fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many residents have had questions about the impact on organ and tissue donation and transplantation. To help offer some insight and guidance, below we have key information from our area and links to additional resources. We’ll continually post updates on the coronavirus and organ and tissue donation and transplantation here as new information is released.

Precautions We’re Taking at Donor Alliance

To protect the health and safety of our teams and transplant recipients through this pandemic, Donor Alliance is testing every donor, maximizing virtual work, limiting the number of staff accessing hospitals and providing as much protective equipment as possible.

Donor Alliance has and always will adhere to the highest medical standards. We will continue to follow our local hospitals’ infection prevention guidelines, which address COVID-19, as we monitor the outbreak. We are also following guidelines and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), local public health agencies and the transplantation community, accessing and adapting to any issues posed by COVID-19.

Donor Alliance tests all donors for COVID-19 through molecular testing, known as PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests that detect the virus’s genetic material. This testing method is cited as highly accurate by the CDC. Samples are collected using Nasopharyngeal (nasal) swab or via a broncho alveolar lavage, specimen from the lungs.

All Donor Alliance Offices are Closed to Visitors

As Donor Alliance continues to maximize virtual work, all offices are currently closed to visitors. If you need to reach a Donor Alliance staff member, please call 303-329-4747.

Though many of our events and observances are being celebrated virtually this year, our day-to-day operations have not stopped. Our clinical teams and hospital partners are continuing to work tirelessly every day to deliver the gift of life to those in need. Donor Alliance has and always will adhere to the highest medical standards and is working closely with state and local agencies to assess and adapt to any issues posed by COVID-19.

Virtual and Outdoor Community Activities Continue, Indoor Initiatives Evaluated on a Case-by-Case Basis

As the COVID-19 virus continues to be a public health concern, we want to ensure that we do our part to limit the spread of the virus and keep you safe. As such, our virtual and outdoor activities continue with limited capacity, following all state guidelines. Any requests to participate in indoor activities that meet state guidelines will be considered on a case-by-case basis as we continue to closely monitor the public health landscape.

Continue to Advocate for Organ and Tissue Donation

Even though we have limited in-person activities through year-end, you can still help and show your support virtually! Visit our Facebook pages @DonateLifeColorado, @DonateLifeWyoming or @DoneVidaColorado to learn how you can join us in educating and inspiring public support of organ, eye and tissue donation.

You can also visit our events page to stay up-to-date on any upcoming virtual or outdoor activities. And it’s a great time to sign up as an Advocates for Life Volunteer and complete training virtually.

The Waitlist Can’t Wait: Donor Alliance Continues with its Mission to Save Lives

Donor Alliance’s mission is to save lives through organ and tissue donation and transplantation. With nearly 2,000 people in our area waiting for a lifesaving transplant right now, the need for transplantable organs is an ongoing public health crisis.

The waitlist can’t wait; the need for lifesaving transplants has not slowed amid the pandemic. That is why Donor Alliance remains committed to maximizing all donation opportunities, while keeping our staff, recipients and community safe. To ensure the ability to continue adequate medical evaluation and care, we’ve instituted a Surge Plan in collaboration with our medical partners. These steps, along with the transfer of donors to our stand-alone recovery center, will minimize impact on hospitals and ensure the gift of life continues. Accelerated COVID-19 testing has been established for all potential organ donors, reducing delays and allowing us to expedite cases as much as possible.

The Federal Government has classified organ transplants as essential, non-elective surgeries, which must continue even amidst the threat of this virus. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently reiterated the critical nature of access to life-saving organs and requested all donor hospitals continue allowing organ procurement personnel into donor hospitals to facilitate the gift of life.

Given the critical and life-saving nature of organ transplant, Donor Alliance is working closely with state and local governments, donor hospitals and transplant centers to ensure this essential medical service continues without interruption.

COVID-19 and Organ & Tissue Donation: Pervious Exposure Does Not Prevent Future Donation, Even Though Active COVID-19 is Currently a Medical Rule-out

Check out our Donation Essentials post for more information on previous Coronavirus exposure not being a rule-out for organ transplants.

Living Organ Donation

The information on this page pertains to deceased organ and tissue donation. Living donation is facilitated directly through the transplant centers. Please contact one of the four transplant centers in our area for more information.

Transplant Recipients

The American Society of Transplantation has published a Transplant Community FAQ resource providing detailed information for transplant recipients regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus and organ donation / tissue donation). As more information becomes available, the document will continue to be updated. Local transplant centers can also be used as a resource for recipients that have questions in Colorado and Wyoming.

Picture Courtesy: CDC

Follow Recommended Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Precautions, Including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick, and keep your children at home when they are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

As we learn of any new developments and as new resources become available, we will post updates here.

Ways to Help During the Coronavirus Crisis:

• Help Colorado Now – volunteer or provide donations to help at-risk individuals get through the COVID-19 crisis
• Feeding Colorado – supports five food banks in Colorado
• American Red Cross – Mile High Area – help support disaster leadership throughout Colorado and Wyoming
• Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies – provides food to those in need throughout Wyoming
• Help Main Street! – enter your zip code and find local businesses who have a way to help while they are closed / partially open
• Colorado COVID Relief Fund – provide aid to support Colorado communities and organizations affected by COVID-19
• Cheyenne Relief Fund – supports residents of Cheyenne, WY in need of assistance
• One Fair Wage Emergency Fund – supports restaurant workers, deliver workers, drivers and other tipped and service workers who are signed up across 10 states, including Colorado

COVID-19 and Organ & Tissue Donation Information and Resources

• United Network for Organ Sharing information regarding COVID-19
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• The American Society of Transplantation: COVID-19 information for transplant recipients, candidates and professionals
• The Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO): COVID-19 Bulletin
• Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN): Information for transplant programs and OPOs regarding 2019 Novel Coronavirus
• American Association of Tissue Banks: COVID-19 Updates
• State of Colorado Information on the Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• Wyoming COVID-19 Info & Updates
• Wyoming Department of Health