Latest news with #SierraDonorServices
Business Wire
29-05-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
UCI Health Partner with Sierra Donor Services to Expand Kidney Transplant Opportunities Utilizing Paragonix KidneyVault Preservation Technology
WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Paragonix Technologies, a pioneer in organ transplant technologies and organ procurement services, announced today a groundbreaking initiative with Sierra Donor Services and UCI Health to place high-risk donor kidneys, expanding transplant opportunities for patients in need. , a nonprofit organ procurement organization (OPO) serving more than 2.8 million people across 13 counties in Northern California and Nevada, is leveraging this collaboration to successfully place kidneys that were previously deemed high risk due to donor complications, geographic limitations, and other logistical considerations. Utilizing Paragonix's latest innovation—the KidneyVault Portable Renal Perfusion System —Sierra Donor Services has facilitated the transplantation of complex donor kidneys that had initially been declined due to factors such as donor age, cause of death, and underlying medical conditions. Through this technology, UCI Health has been able to transplant these organs successfully, demonstrating the transformative potential of advanced organ preservation in expanding the donor pool. The cutting-edge preservation system aims to combat key transplantation challenges by ensuring superior organ protection during transport and providing real-time monitoring of organ conditions and location. UCI Health, one of California's largest academic health systems, is the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine and one of the fastest growing kidney transplant centers on the west coast. UCI Health is at the forefront of transplant innovation, seeking new opportunities and technologies to both improve access to donor organs and post-transplant outcomes. The lifesaving initiative is playing a critical role in addressing California's organ shortage by enabling the safe and effective utilization of kidneys that may have otherwise been potentially discarded. 'Currently, nearly 20,000 Californians are on the waiting list for a transplant, with 85% of them in need of a kidney. Last year over 9,000 kidneys recovered for transplant were ultimately unable to be used for a life saving transplant,' said Donna Smith, Chief Clinical Officer at Sierra Donor Services. 'The portable renal perfusion technology provided by KidneyVault gives us greater flexibility to place these much-needed organs, offering a second chance at life to patients who might not have otherwise received one.' Dr. Robert R. Redfield, Chief of Transplantation at UCI Health, emphasized the importance of this innovative preservation system in expanding transplant opportunities. 'UCI Health is proud to have the oldest and largest kidney transplant program in Orange County, with survival outcomes exceeding the national average,' said Dr. Redfield. 'This technological improvement allows transplant centers like ours to consider more complex organs, as donations that must travel greater distances can now be perfused throughout the entire transplant journey.' President of Paragonix Technologies, Dr. Lisa Anderson, PhD, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the company's commitment to honoring the gift of organ donation. 'Every organ donation is an incredible gift, and we believe it should be treated as such every single time,' said Dr. Anderson. 'With the KidneyVault Portable Renal Perfusion System, OPOs and transplant centers can confidently offer this life-saving gift to more patients by utilizing organs that previously would have gone unused.' For more information about Paragonix Technologies, please visit About Sierra Donor Services Sierra Donor Services (SDS) serves nearly three million people in Northern California and Northern Nevada. We are an exceptional team of professionals dedicated to saving and improving lives by connecting organ and tissue donation to the patients who need them. We strive to extend the reach of each generous donor's gift to those who are always profoundly grateful for them. For more information, visit About Paragonix Technologies Paragonix Technologies is a leading developer, manufacturer, and service provider in the organ transplant industry, establishing a novel approach to organ preservation. A Getinge company, Paragonix Technologies provides Advanced Organ Preservation ('AOP') devices that safeguard donor organs during the journey between donor and recipient patients. Our FDA-cleared and CE-marked devices incorporate clinically proven and medically trusted cold preservation techniques that allow unprecedented physical and thermal protection to the organ during transit. All Paragonix AOP devices are natively integrated with our novel digital app, delivering real-time organ tracking data and monitoring logistics for transplant teams seeking a secure and centralized solution. For more information, visit
CBS News
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- CBS News
With Real ID deadline here, Sacramento-area nonprofit asks drivers to sign up for organ donation at DMV
SACRAMENTO - Wednesday marks the REAL ID deadline in California, meaning if you do not have the updated license, you will need a passport or other form of federal identification to fly domestically within the United States. The rush to get the REAL ID has prompted longer-than-usual lines at Sacramento region DMV locations for the past several weeks. "We have no choice but to get it done," said Sacramento driver Zion Taddese, who was at the Broadway location on Wednesday to get her REAL ID. "I've been here at least a good two hours. I came in the rush hour." For many at the DMV, their experience has been defined by sitting around and waiting. "In the morning time, you're looking at anywhere from two to four hours of a wait," said driver Felicia Byrd. One West Sacramento nonprofit is using this time with so many headed out to get a new license to encourage them to make a big decision. One question typically posed to everyone at the DMV is this: Will you become an organ donor? "There are currently, across the country, over 100,000 people waiting for those lifesaving organs. Twenty thousand are here in California, and about 80% of those people are waiting for a kidney," said Michael Coleman, director of external affairs at Sierra Donor Services. The nonprofit, for the past 40 years, has connected patients in the Northern California region to the organs they need to survive. "I go to bed knowing nationwide, 17 people will run out of time. Seventeen people on that 100,000 wait list will run out of time today. They woke up this morning and their families will say goodbye today because there wasn't a match available," Coleman said. Last year, Sierra Donor Services secured 425 life-saving transplants. All of the organs came from 170 deceased donor heroes "One way to think, for everybody waiting in line at the DMV, you might be a little tired, you might be a little frustrated, but you can do some really good work. You can make a profound impact, make a plan to one day save up to eight people's lives," Coleman said. It is as simple as responding "yes" when the DMV asks if you would like to register as an organ donor. Leimomi Mabanta of Sacramento is one of the thousands of patients wishing more people would add their names to the organ donation list. Mabanta is on dialysis and in kidney failure. "I was told in 2022 I would need a kidney transplant in order to survive," Mabanta said. "I'm just waiting. I found out last week it's going to be a five-year wait for me." She says she is constantly wondering if she will find her life-saving match before time runs out. "It's an endless thought. I go to sleep thinking about it. I wake up thinking about it," Mabanta said. "Mentally, it takes a toll. I told myself and promised myself I am here for a purpose." She spends her days trying to stay positive and focuses on her health. Her hope is that she is not just a number on a long list of people in line. "When you donate and you're a donor, there's a possibility more than one person can be saved. They can have a far better life than sitting in a chair waiting for something to happen, waiting for destiny and for something to come to you," Mabanta said. Right now, only 58% of people in the Northern California region are registered organ donors. Coleman says his organization will not rest until that number climbs to 75%. "Within the past few years, we started changing the way we do things, reaching outside the box, reaching out to new communities. We saw a 2% increase in the organ donor roster," Coleman said. He says their organization is working to instill a greater sense of trust in the medical profession among communities of color. They are also working to dispel myths surrounding donation. He says some of those misconceptions are that it is against major religions, that you can't donate if you have had cancer in the past and that organ donation prevents an open casket funeral. You do not have to sign up at the DMV -- visit the Donate Life website or the Sierra Donor Services website for more information.
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
California faces organ donor shortage, Latino community in high need
( — Nearly 20,000 people in California are waiting for an organ transplant, according to Sierra Donor Services. The nonprofit began its work back in 1985 helping people across Northern Nevada and California and reaching a total of 13 counties. 'The reality is, is that there are not enough people deciding to be donors,' said Cristian Morales with Sierra Donor Services. Sacramento funeral home sued for mishandling remains of deceased man Morales added that the need is even greater among communities of color. Out of the 20,000 waiting for a lifesaving organ, nearly half are Latinos. 'What we're noticing right now is a decline on Latinos saying yes to donation,' said Morales, 'Aside from having more of a match with a family member, the second-best option is someone of your race and an ethnicity.' He said there are several factors affecting the community's decision to become donors. 'Mistrust in the system, language barriers, and what we see a lot right now is immigration status. That's something that we see within our country and within our state, too,' said Morales. The organization works with over 40 different hospitals as well as local agencies to help educate, inspire, and inform the public on the importance of becoming an organ donor. 'One donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and help improve the lives of up to 75 individuals so one person can make that difference,' stressed Morales. From the start of the year through the end of February, Sierra Donor Services has had 25 organ donors, 76 organs transplanted, and 154 tissue donors. 'People shouldn't wait two years. People shouldn't wait five, or 10 years. Everyone deserves a second chance at life. If you're considering being a donor, keep that in mind. It's an act of kindness. You can leave a legacy and inspire so many others,' said Morales. For more information on how you can donate click here and to register click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
