The Second Chances program allows Washoe County Deputy Sheriffs, at their discretion, to give registered organ donors who are pulled over for minor traffic violations a warning ticket, as opposed to a fine. Offered in partnership with Donor Network West, the program will run from Thursday, Oct. 20 to Friday, Oct. 28.
The program is designed to help encourage more Washoe County residents to register as organ donors. Drivers who have the official organ donor heart on their up-to-date Nevada driver’s license may be told that they are being given a second chance – because their status as an organ donor gives a fellow citizen a second chance at life.
“This program turns a stressful situation – being pulled over by a law enforcement officer – into a surprising and positive outcome for organ donors,” Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said. “This program thanks registered organ donors for choosing to give people a second chance at life and, hopefully, will encourage more Nevadans to give others a second chance by registering to become a donor.”
Those who do not have the donor designation on their driver’s license may still be issued a Second Chance warning ticket for considering registering as a donor in the future.
“The need for more registered organ donors is huge,” said Janice Whaley, president and CEO of Donor Network West. “Our partnership with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is an incredible way to spread awareness and education about organ donation. We appreciate their continued support engaging with the community in such a positive, potentially life-saving, way.”
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.
For more information about this program, or to find how your municipality, organization or group can become involved, visit DonorNetworkWest.org.
This post is paid content and does not represent the views of This Is Reno. Looking to promote your event or news? Consider a sponsored post.
