Media resources
The United Network for Organ Sharing’s mission is to unite and strengthen the donation and transplant community to save lives. Use these resources to learn more about what we do and how the national transplant system works.
Video
The generous organ donor
Organ donation and transplantation is a complex process, requiring the expertise and collaboration of thousands across the country every day. This intricate journey begins with one person – the organ donor. Join UNOS as we explore this lifesaving system from the perspective of the generous organ donor, their willing family and the organ procurement organization on the ground.
The United Network for Organ Sharing’s mission is to unite and strengthen the donation and transplant community to save lives. Use these resources to learn more about what we do and how the national transplant system works.
The success of our national organ donation and transplant system
2020 sets all-time high for most lives saved by deceased organ donors. Read more.
5 ways to improve the U.S. organ donation and transplant system
A collaborative reform package
Action 1:
Automate real-time donor referral.
Action 2:
Establish better metrics for OPOs and transplant hospitals.
Action 3:
Improve the process of getting the right organ to the right patient at the right time.
Action 4:
Remove disincentives to using older and more complex donors when appropriate.
Action 5:
Enable OPOs to merge or share services to boost their ability to serve hospitals and patients.
COVID-19 information
Find resources, including our data visualization showing high-level national data as well as a list of recorded webinars, and even more on the UNOS COVID-19 page
Facts about organ transplantation
- The national organ transplant system
- UNOS fast facts
- 2020: Annual record trend continues for deceased organ donation, deceased donor transplants
- FAQs about UNOS' role in the system
- Organ Procurement Organizations: Increasing organ donation
- Improving Organ Procurement and Oversight
- Improving access for liver allocation
- Improving access for kidney and pancreas allocation
- Executive Order on Advancing American Kidney Health
- UNOS LabsSM: Testing products, tools and methods to improve the transplant system
- 12 things UNOS is doing to get the right organ to the right patient at the right time
How the nation’s transplant system works: A visual journey View the PDF
Insights from UNOS leaders on key issues
Find strategic insights and action plans for the pivotal issues in organ donation and transplantation.
Equity means providing a transplant for every single patient that needs one
Read: CEO Brian Shepard on what UNOS and the donation and transplant community are doing to get there
Voices in Transplant
Read UNOS’ Voices in Transplant blog featuring perspectives from the organ donation and transplant community about innovations, improvements and insights that are strengthening the national donation and transplantation system.
Stories of Hope
Patients share their personal stories of lives changed by organ donation and transplantation.
Data/statistics
Access the latest available data on transplantation in the United States, including the current waiting list, survival rates, median waiting times and the number of transplants performed.
Facts about organ donation
Learn about organ, eye and tissue donation.
Organ allocation policy
Find all current OPTN policies, including allocation policy for each organ, and access our policy brochures.
Glossary of terms
Understand concepts and terminology used in discussing donation and transplantation.
Permissions request
To request permission for reuse, reproduction, digitization, or translation of materials produced and copyrighted by UNOS, submit this request form.
