Sheriff's Office

PR #:
2021-98
Date Issued:
Jul 12, 2021 - 11:24AM

For Immediate Release

Registered Organ Donors to get a 'Second Chance' for Minor Traffic Violations
Washoe County Sheriff's Office partners with Donor Network West July 13th-19th in honor of Lizzy Hammond who saved three children's lives through organ donation

For media inquiries contact:
Sarah Johns
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Office: 775-785-6235
Cell: 775-391-0407

Second-Chances-art.png

Sarah Johns
Washoe County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer
P: 775-391-0407     E: sjohns@washoecounty.us
Nicole Shearer
KPS3 on behalf of Donor Network West
P: 530-448-6485     E: nicole.shearer@kps3.com

It's been nearly two years since the Hammond family said goodbye to Elizabeth "Lizzy" Hammond who died tragically after a bounce house accident in South Reno on July 14, 2019. The Hammond family, who decided to donate Lizzy's organs after she succumbed to her injuries, is honoring Lizzy's legacy this week by partnering with the Washoe County Sheriff's Office and Donor Network West for the second iteration of the campaign launched earlier this year called Second Chances.

WHAT: Like organ donation, the Second Chances Organ Donation Awareness program is about giving people a second chance. The campaign, which will give drivers with minor traffic infractions a second chance, aims to educate the community about giving people a second chance through organ, eye, and tissue donation.

"This program is a reminder to the community that they can be a lifesaving hero just by saying 'YES' to being an organ donor and sharing those wishes with their family," Wendy Hammond, Lizzy's mom said. "One person can save up to eight lives by saying 'yes' to donation. Lizzy saved three other children with her kidneys and liver. She would be so proud to be a part of this program because of her love for law enforcement, having participated in many Sheriff's outreach programs herself before her passing."

“Even today some of the deputies who responded to Lizzy’s accident are still affected by what they witnessed and want to recognize her,” said Sheriff Darin Balaam. “To be able to honor Lizzy and thank her family for saving three other children’s lives – as well as bring understanding to the selfless act of organ donation – is impactful. This campaign is not about writing citations. Second Chances is about raising awareness, and hopefully inspires community members to say ‘yes’ to potentially saving one of the more than 600 Nevadans who are awaiting a lifesaving transplant. A second chance at life.”

WHO: Lizzy's mother, Wendy Hammond, will join Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam and Candee Ramos from Donor Network West to talk about the program. Lizzy's father, Mitch Hammond, is a member of the Nevada National Guard, and he will be away on duty.

WHEN: Tuesday, July 13th - Monday, July 19th, 2021
            Second Chances will kick off with a media availability at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 13th

WHERE: The Second Chances media availability will be held at the intersection of Crossbow Court and Arrowcreek Parkway; park at Hunsberger Elementary School

WHY: Sadly, 17 people across the country die every day waiting on a lifesaving organ transplant that never comes -- they never get their second chance.

HOW: Starting Tuesday, July 13th - through Monday, July 19th, Washoe County Sheriff's Office deputies, at their discretion, will give motorists with minor traffic violations a warning ticket as opposed to a fine. Drivers who have the official organ donor heart on their up-to-date Nevada DMV driver's license may be told that they are being given a second chance to correct their violation without a fine -- because their status as an organ donor gives a fellow community member a second chance at life. 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.

Sheriff Darin Balaam said the campaign allows Deputy Sheriffs to positively engage with motorists who have taken the heroic step of potentially saving someone's life by registering as a donor at the DMV. 

Those interested in learning more about organ donation, or who want to register, can visit donornetworkwest.org.

###

About Washoe County Sheriff's Office:
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity, and mutual respect.

About Donor Network West:
Donor Network West saves and heals lives by facilitating organ and tissue recovery for transplantation and research. The organization was established in 1987 and is an official Donate Life organization accredited by the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) and the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB). Federally designated to serve 45 counties in Northern Nevada and Northern California, Donor Network West partners with the Department of Motor Vehicles and the state-authorized donor registries. For information, visit donornetworkwest.org and follow us on social media: @mydnwest

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.

###

YouTube-ICON.png   TWITTER-ICON.png   IG-ICON.png   FB-ICON.png