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Customer Spotlight: Donor Network of Arizona

Donor Network of Arizona (DNA) fulfills the lifesaving and life-healing mission of organ and tissue donation as the state’s federally designated organ procurement organization. DNA’s work is made possible by the generosity of Arizona donors and their families. As also an eye and tissue recovering agency, DNA collaborates with health care and community partners to facilitate the gift of life. DNA is a vital link for transplantation and encourages Arizonans to sign up to be donors at DonateLifeAZ.org.

Recently, we chatted with Ryan Nelson, who brings over 16 years of experience in the tissue donation industry as the Tissue Services Manager at DNA. He has improved operational efficiencies, forged strong relationships with county medical examiners, and increased donation rates, particularly in musculoskeletal and pediatric heart valves. Ryan recently began serving as Chair of the Recovery and Donor Eligibility Council for the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB). In our conversation, he shared more about DNA’s work and discussed how Guardian by Isensix helps DNA ensure it can further its mission-focused efforts.

How does Donor Network of Arizona serve your community?
The Community Involvement Committee at DNA connects with the community beyond donation through year-round initiatives. Representatives from across DNA organize opportunities for staff to give back and make a positive impact. Activities, drives, and other service projects support Arizona’s multicultural communities, including children, veterans, the homeless, and seniors.

Additionally, the DNA team has been thrilled to share our new office space with our partners. From hosting the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division to Make-A-Wish Arizona and others, we value inviting groups that align with our mission to use our building, advancing both their own outreach and the gift of life.

Donor Network of Arizona is part of the Donate Life America organization, but what is the relationship between them?
We are Donor Network of Arizona (DNA), a 501(c)3 organization federally designated as the organ procurement organization for the entire state of Arizona. We are also a tissue recovery organization. So, DNA works to save people’s lives through organ and tissue donation.

Donate Life America (DLA) manages and promotes Donate Life℠, the national brand for the cause of donation. DLA works nationally to motivate the public to register as a donor, provide donation education, and manage the national donor registry. DNA is a Donate Life organization, which means we are affiliated with DLA.

DNA uses the Donate Life Arizona branding to work in unison with DLA and all its affiliates. Similarly, DNA uses the Done Vida Arizona branding to work in Spanish-speaking communities across the state.

Why did Donor Network of Arizona choose to work with Isensix and Guardian?
DNA was looking for software that allowed us to remotely monitor temperatures in our clinical spaces while also being easy to use. Isensix and Guardian aligned with our needs and became an ideal match for our requirements.

What makes Isensix stand out from other options?
We looked at a few other options, but Isensix checked the boxes. From the system’s ease of use and set-up to its appropriate levels of calibration documentation—along with its cost-effectiveness—it was a no-brainer for DNA to partner with Isensix.

 How was Isensix able to help you?
Isensix allowed us to monitor our clinical spaces and refrigerators to stay compliant with state and local regulations. In addition, the implementation of Isensix’s technology allowed for real-time communication when temperature deviations occurred, all throughout the building. Though initially meant just for clinical spaces, we have now expanded the system’s use to our IT and server rooms.

 Why is having confidence in your temperature monitoring products and services provided by Isensix important to you?
Temperature regulation of supplies and reagents is important to ensure that we can provide lifesaving organs and tissues to those in need. Early notification of deviations allows us to pivot as an organization to ensure we can continue our mission-driven work.

 

Isensix is grateful for customers like Donor Network of Arizona who trust us to provide an advanced, versatile, and innovative environmental monitoring system. For more information about DNA, please visit its website.