Information on disaster relief and assistance for patients

Published on: Friday, September 8, 2017

The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) serves as the national Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) under contract with the Department of Health and Human Services   and is dedicated to providing assistance to member institutions, transplant candidates and potential living donors in the event of a natural disaster affecting long-term services of transplant centers.

UNOS is in contact with all member transplant facilities nationwide. In case of significant and potential long-term disruption of service at one or more centers, we will provide any needed updates through this website. The Organ Center can assist transplant hospitals and organ procurement organizations as needed with organ placement or management of key donor or candidate data, in order to provide continuity of essential services.

Transplant institutions should maintain disaster recovery plans that address their individual facility's needs and circumstances. This includes mechanisms for communicating with transplant candidates and potential living donors.

For transplant candidates who are experiencing a short-term disruption of activity (a week or less), your transplant program is your best contact for information regarding their facility status, appointment scheduling, and availability of critical services.

If you are unable to get information from your transplant program, or need information or assistance in the event of a long-term disruption, such as a need to relocate to another transplant program, contact the UNOS toll-free Patient Services line, (888) 894-6361. It is staffed from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday.