U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Board of Directors Meeting
The OPTN/UNOS Board adopted principles of geographic organ distribution at its June 2018 meeting.
Learn more
Broader lung distribution
The OPTN lung allocation system was modified to replace the donor service area (DSA) as the first level of distribution with a 250 nautical mile circle around the donor hospital.
Voice your opinion
Public input on transplant policy is an essential part of the policy development process.
OPO best practices
Learn how donation and transplant professionals are saving more lives through improving organ availability.
At a Glance
people need a lifesaving organ transplant (total waiting list candidates). Of those, 74,901 people are active waiting list candidates. Totals as of today 10:53am
organ transplants performed so far in 2017
Total Transplants January - May 2018
as of 06/21/2018
donors
Total Donors January - May 2018
as of 06/21/2018
Organ donation and transplantation can save lives
Every ten minutes, someone is added to the national transplant waiting list.
On average, 95 transplants take place each day in the U.S.
One organ donor can save eight lives. Sign up to be a donor in your state.
The organ shortage continues
Despite advances in medicine and technology, and increased awareness of organ donation and transplantation, there continues to be a gap between supply and demand.
More progress is needed to ensure that all candidates have a chance to receive a transplant. [Graph description of The organ shortage continues ]
News
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Friday, June 22, 2018
Call for nominations: 2019-2020 OPTN/UNOS Board of Directors
You may nominate yourself or a colleague for a board position by submitting a biography form. -
Monday, June 11, 2018
OPTN/UNOS Board adopts principles of geographic organ distribution
Lung distribution, member review process, informed consent requirements also addressed -
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
OPTN/UNOS Board of Directors releases Indiana Donor Network and Gulf Coast Medical Center from probation
At a teleconference May 2, 2018, the OPTN/UNOS Board of Directors restored full member privileges for Indiana Donor Network and Gulf Coast Medical Center. -
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
New booklet advises parents of pediatric transplant patients
A new resource booklet, “What Every Parent Needs to Know,” is available for parents and caregivers of children and adolescents who need or receive an organ transplant. -
Thursday, March 8, 2018
Notice addresses organ preservation solution (1)
Bridge to Life Ltd. and Waters Medical Systems have issued a notification of field correction for specified lots of Belzer UW Cold Storage Solution and IGL Cold Storage Solution in 2-liter bags manufactured by Preservation Solutions Inc (PSI).
Resources for professionals
Kidney allocation system materials
Access educational materials, calculators and more.
The OPTN Evaluation Plan is a compliance guide for member hospitals, OPOs and labs.
Patients are the focus of all the OPTN's collective efforts.
Resources for patients
Here's a brief look at how an idea transforms from proposal to transplant policy.
The donation process begins with a decision.
We must allocate each precious organ in the most equitable manner possible.