Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update from Iowa Donor Network
In light of recent events surrounding the global COVID-19 outbreak, Iowa Donor Network (IDN) is taking steps to ensure the health and safety of our staff, volunteers, hospital partners and the patients they care for, and the communities we serve. This is our top priority as we work to manage this rapidly changing situation.
IDN remains committed to saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation and supporting donor families. IDN is taking proactive measures to ensure donation services continue without interruption. Through this unusual time, our focus remains on our donors, donor families and those waiting for much-needed transplants.
General Precautions We are Taking at Iowa Donor Network
IDN continues to 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 guidance 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. This includes the screening and testing of donors or potential donors. IDN leaders are meeting daily to assess and respond to the rapidly changing situation.
Offices Closed
To reduce risk to our teams and in accordance with the State Disaster Emergency Plan, both IDN offices are closed to the public until further notice. You can still reach us at contact@iadn.org or by calling (800)-831-4131.
All Events Have Been Cancelled Through April 30
As the COVID-19 virus continues to grow as a public health concern, we want to ensure that we do our part to limit the spread of the virus. IDN has cancelled or postponed all public events through the end of April. This includes the Green 5K, originally scheduled for April 18th, which we hope to reschedule for later this year. IDN will continue to monitor the need based on recommendations and guidelines from the CDC and local public health agencies.
2020 National Donate Life Month Will be Celebrated Virtually
National Donate Life Month (April) will be celebrated virtually and all are invited to join. Make sure to like and follow IDN’s
Facebook,
Instagram and
Twitter pages.
Transplant Recipients
The American Society of Transplantation has published a
Transplant Community FAQ resource providing detailed information for transplant recipients regarding COVID-19. As more information becomes available, the document will continue to be updated. Your regional transplant centers can also be used as a resource for recipients that have questions.
Prevention
We encourage everyone to review the
CDC recommendations for prevention. The CDC also lists
symptoms for those with coronavirus. If you experience symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, call your doctor for further instructions.
IDN is continually monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and will provide updates as new developments related to organ and tissue donation occur.