The F. M. Kirby Foundation of Morristown, N.J., has awarded United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) a $1 million grant to restructure and expand its donation and transplant data management system.
UNOS developed UNetSM, a highly secure, Internet-based data application, in 1999 to collect and manage critical, time-sensitive information on organ donors and transplant patients. It is used nationwide to match organs from deceased donors with suitable transplant recipients. It is also used to collect detailed information about donors and transplant recipients and track recipients’ survival.
UNOS is beginning a major upgrade of UNet to enhance its usability and functionality and incorporate the latest computer capabilities. The project is expected to be complete in 2008.
“The F.M. Kirby Foundation grant is a significant step in making this enhancement possible,” said UNOS Executive Director Walter Graham. “We estimate the project will take $9.1 million to complete. This grant, combined with other funding already secured, puts us more than halfway toward that amount.”
In 2000, the F.M. Kirby Foundation awarded UNOS a $2.5 million grant to help fund the building of UNOS’ headquarters in the Virginia Bio-Technology Research Park and to support a professional research and education project.
