News and perspectives
Press releases
UNOS applauds inclusion of organ donation and transplantation reforms in FY26 Federal Funding Package
Congress passes UNOS’ Advocacy Agenda, which will strengthen the U.S. organ donation and transplant system.
UNOS responds to CMS proposed rule; celebrates progress for patients
CMS proposed rule incudes key UNOS reforms.
U.S. surpasses 49,000 organ transplants while deceased organ donations dip
The U.S. achieved a record for organ transplants for the fifth consecutive year.
How UNOS’ role in the OPTN has changed under the additional contract extension
Learn what OPTN work UNOS is still performing under the current contract, and what work is no longer part of UNOS’ portfolio.
UNOS Responds to Recent HRSA Statements
HRSA comments about UNOS were inaccurate.
Open letter from Maureen as she leaves UNOS
Former UNOS CEO reflects on her decades of service.
UNOS reaches contract agreement with HRSA
UNOS has reached an agreement with HRSA on a contract for OPTN work that will take effect on Dec. 30, 2025, immediately following the expiration of our current contract.
HRSA assumes management of OPTN website
Effective December 15, HRSA has taken over full management of the OPTN website from UNOS.
Spotlight: 2-minute reads
Issues and Advocacy
A ‘No Wrong Door’ system makes safety concerns easier to report
If someone experiences poor care or witnesses a problem related to organ donation or transplant, they shouldn’t have to navigate a maze of agencies to speak up, be heard and get a resolution.
Organs shouldn’t be transported in airline cargo. Here’s why.
Federal regulations don’t prevent unaccompanied organs from flying above the wing – yet they’re being transported as cargo. The government agrees it can improve its communications to airlines and airports to clarify this.
Tales from the OR and how Congress can help
UNOS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Andrew Klein shares first-hand experiences as a liver transplant surgeon, and how Congressional action can help strengthen the system.
Waitlist deaths decrease: a shared success by the organ donation and transplant community supported by UNOS
The average number of people dying per day waiting for a transplant has dropped under UNOS’ operation of the U.S. organ donation and transplant system.
Innovations and Technology
Transforming transplant program operations with data-driven tools
UNOS offers best-in-class tools tailored to the needs of transplant programs.
UNOS’ organ matching technology is working 24/7, 365 days a year
UNOS’ technology is matching critical organs with patients for transplant 365 days a year. Ongoing IT security and stability enhancements provide protection to lifesaving technology.
Research and Data
Using AI to identify kidney anatomy issues
Using AI to evaluate organs could help patients receive more successful kidney transplants.
CARE Tool helps hospital boost transplants
UNOS CARE Tool helps transplant teams understand offer patterns, identify missed opportunities and accept more organs for transplant.
The public supports organ transplants from pigs
Xenotransplantation could shorten the waitlist one day. UNOS researchers wanted to learn how the public feels about this new area of transplant.
UNOS Transplant Benchmark Report Creator is a go-to resource
UPMC’s transplant quality team relies on the enhanced UNOS Transplant Benchmark Report to access real‑time, customizable performance data that streamlines analysis and supports data‑driven decision‑making.
Learn about issues impacting patients, donors, donor families, and the national system.
About UNOS
Issues and advocacy
Strengthening organ donation and transplant
Working together: Our nation’s organ donation and transplant system
- The OPTN, HRSA and CMS have different roles. Learn about the roles
UNOS is a nonprofit on a mission to save and transform lives through research, innovation and collaboration. UNOS builds on its experience and expertise to strengthen organ donation and transplantation systems and enhance public health. The nonprofit helps people live life without limits by developing products and services, conducting data-driven research and analysis, providing expert consulting services, advocating for reforms to help patients, and partnering to drive a greater impact.