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Issues and advocacy

1 million transplants

The U.S. surpassed 1 million transplants in 2022

The gifts of generous donors and their courageous families made several lifesaving transplant records possible.

About UNOS and the OPTN

Organ allocation data & reports

Positions and fact sheets

Become an advocate

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

National and state data

OPTN data reports

Preview of OPTN data reports showing state of CA and data on number of donors

National and state level data.

Data reports

Equity in access

view of dashboard controls next to bar graph

Learn how the OPTN ensures equity for waitlisted patients.

Dashboard

State of the system

line graph charting deceased donor transplants

Updated daily: State of organ donation and transplantation in U.S.

Dashboard

Organ allocation monitoring reports

icon of kidney inside circle
icon of pancreas inside circle

Kidney and pancreas

Read more about kidney and pancreas policy.

icon of liver inside circle
icon of intestine inside circle

Liver and intestine

Read more about liver and intestine policy.

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Heart

The Heart Transplantation Committee continues to monitor this policy.

UNOS positions and fact sheets

Fact sheets and statements

COVID-19 Patient FAQs

Find answers on the Transplant Living website

News

VCA coming to UNet Sept 14, 2023

Allocation of all Vascularized Composite Allograft (VCA) organs that were originally scheduled to move into UNet in Spring 2023, will now implement on Sept. 14.

Get involved

Contact advocacy team

[email protected]

Become an advocate

Become an advocate today! Receive updates from UNOS and take direct action when issues arise impacting patients, donors, donor families, and the national system.

Sign up

Be an ambassador

Spread the word about UNOS, organ donation and transplantation. Become a UNOS Ambassador and we’ll provide tools, tips, and resources to help you share UNOS’ lifesaving mission in your community.

Learn more

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