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Issues and advocacy

Action Agenda

Actions to strengthen the U.S. organ donation and transplant system

Actions in progress

FAA: Organs back in the cabin?

About UNOS and the OPTN

Congressional leave-behinds

Positions and fact sheets

Get involved

United Network for Organ Sharing is the mission-driven, non-profit organization that serves as the nation’s organ donation and transplant system—the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN)—under contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

UNOS carries out this lifesaving work by …

  • Including all members of the donation and transplant community, including patients, donors and donor families, as valued equals in the organ allocation policy development process.
  • Ensuring equitable access to organ transplants, no matter who you are or where you live.
  • Demonstrating our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.
  • Advocating at the federal level for innovative policies and regulations that support growth.
  • Honoring the gift of life in all that we do.
About UNOS

United Network for Organ Sharing is the mission-driven, non-profit organization that serves as the nation’s organ donation and transplant system—the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN)—under contract with and oversight by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

FAQs about UNOS’ role

What is the OPTN?

The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) is the name of the transplant system in the United States. The OPTN brings together volunteer donation and transplant professionals, patients, donors and donor families to develop the nation’s organ allocation policies. The OPTN acts through its Board of Directors.

Visit OPTN website

UNOS positions and fact sheets

UNOS positions on regulations

Fact sheets and statements

Press releases

UNOS remains committed to strengthening the system

The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) reinforces its unwavering commitment to serving the nation’s organ donation and transplant community and patients through its contract with the federal government.

News

Lung CAS summary data updated

Information for lung transplant programs on the distribution of scores for all active registrations waiting for lung transplants in the U.S.

Get involved

Contact External Affairs

[email protected]

Contact Congress

Contact your Members of Congress about returning organs to the cabin of commercial flights.

Steps to take

Volunteer

Are you passionate about organ donation and transplantation?

Volunteer for OPTN

Join us. Learn how you can apply to volunteer for the OPTN

Be an ambassador

When you volunteer as a UNOS Ambassador, we’ll provide tools, tips, and resources to help you share UNOS’ lifesaving mission in your community. Learn more

Public comment

Winter 2024 public comment was open through March 19.

See comments

Special public comment period for expedited placement variance was open Dec. 21, 2023 – Feb. 4, 2024. View comments

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