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5/1/2013Meet the Story of Hope Contest Winners
 Transplant Living received more than 9,000 votes during the month of April to decide the site’s favorite story from a living donor. The story with the most votes was William, “Willie” Richardson, a living donor from Mercer Island, Washington.
4/30/2013Read the Latest Edition of UNOS Update and Confirm Your Subscription
 The latest edition of the UNOS Update is now available in interactive PDF format in the Professional Education section of the UNOS Web site.

4/30/2013UNOS' 2012 Corporate Annual Report is Now Available Online
 The report, titled "Working together. Saving Lives." provides glimpses of how people throughout the country work together to save lives through organ donation and transplantation.
4/18/2013UNOS presents OPTN webinar series on new living kidney donor requirements
 To learn more about the new living kidney donor OPTN requirements that were recently implemented (February 1, 2013), please attend a UNOS-sponsored webinar series beginning in May. There is no charge for participants.
4/1/2013Share your story. Inspire Others. Win an iPad.
 To help celebrate National Donate Life Month, Transplant Living will feature stories of hope about living donation. Stories will be used to encourage donation and give hope to the many patients now waiting for a transplant.
3/27/2013In Memoriam: H.M. Lee, M.D.
 UNOS celebrates the life and achievements of H.M. Lee, M.D., who passed away March 24.
3/21/2013UNOS Transplant Management Forum Call for Abstracts
 United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Transplant Management Forum invites the submission of abstracts in the transplant administrative arena for presentation and award consideration.
3/20/2013Registration Now Open for Sept. 16-17 UNOS Primer
 Make plans to attend the UNOS Primer to Practice: Communication, Education, and Engagement, held in Richmond Virginia.
3/11/2013OPTN/UNOS Officers and Board Members Elected
 Members of the national Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) have elected 15 members to its Board of Directors.
2/12/2013In Memoriam: David Hull, M.D.
 UNOS is saddened by the recent passing of Dr. David Hull, Director Emeritus of the transplant program at Hartford Hospital in Connecticut.
2/7/2013New Materials Available for Order in UNOS Print-on-Demand Store
 As of February 1, the following new materials are available for order in the UNOS print-on-demand store.
1/17/2013Organ Center sets placement activity records
 The UNOS Organ Center provided placement services for 11,739 organ offers in 2012, setting an all-time annual record for placement activity in its 30-year history
1/16/2013UNOS staff members contribute to articles reviewing allocation history, status, future direction of allocation policy
 Staff members from UNOS’ departments of Research and Policy collaborated with researchers from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) to publish two special articles in the December 2012 issue of the American Journal of Transplantation..
12/11/2012Nominees Chosen for Board of Directors Election
 At its November meeting, the OPTN/UNOS Board of Directors approved the following slate of nominees for Board appointments beginning in June 2013. The OPTN Board of Directors also functions as the UNOS Board of Directors.
12/10/2012Register Now for the 2013 UNOS Transplant Management Forum
 Whether you are new to the field or have years of experience, the UNOS Transplant Management Forum, scheduled for April 16-18 in New Orleans, provides transplant managers with strategies they need to improve operations of their transplant program.
12/3/2012Meet the Transplant Living Story of Hope Video Contest Winners
 

Transplant Living received more than 12,000 votes during the month of November to decide the site’s favorite video from a transplant recipient. The story with the most votes was Nefeterius McPerson, a liver recipient from Killeen, TX.

11/27/2012In Memoriam: Joseph E. Murray, M.D.
 All transplant professionals, and all who have benefitted from organ transplantation over the last 58 years, owe a debt of gratitude to the life, work and example of Dr. Joseph Murray.
11/13/2012OPTN/UNOS Board addresses living donation policies, kidney paired donation requirements, lung allocation, geographic differences in organ allocation
 The OPTN/UNOS Board of Directors, at its meeting November 12 and 13, approved policies to create greater consistency in the medical and psychosocial evaluation and informed consent processes for living kidney donors and increase the level of clinical information reported on post-transplant outcomes for these donors.
10/23/2012Webinars address patient safety, the kidney allocation policy proposal out for public comment, and CMS regulations and OPTN requirements
 Patient Safety Webinar series begins October 24, 2012. Crosswalk Webinar about CMS Regulations and OPTN Requirements on November 1, 2012.
10/17/2012New resources available for transplant professionals
 UNOS has launched two new resources for transplant professionals.
10/1/2012UNOS Transplant Management Forum Call for Sponsors and Exhibitors
 The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Transplant Management Forum is calling for sponsors and exhibitors to participate. These opportunities increase your organization's presence at the conference and can be tailored to meet your needs.
9/21/2012Public comment sought on proposed revisions to deceased donor kidney allocation policy
  The OPTN/UNOS Kidney Transplantation Committee is seeking public comment regarding substantial proposed amendments to OPTN deceased donor kidney allocation policy.
8/13/2012UNOS is a national partner in Workplace Partnership for Life hospital campaign
 Launched in June 2011, the campaign brings hospitals together with OPOs—and other organ, eye and tissue donation organizations—to increase donor registrations.
7/25/2012OPTN/UNOS Nominating Committee Seeks Board Nominations
 The OPTN/UNOS nominating committee is soliciting recommendations for vice president/president-elect; treasurer; minority transplant professional representative; and patient and donor affairs representatives who represent the interests of recipients, candidates, living donors, family members and voluntary health organizations.
7/19/2012Brian Shepard Promoted to UNOS Chief Operating Officer
 United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) promoted Brian Shepard from assistant executive director for contract operations to chief operating officer.
7/11/2012OPTN Policy Rewrite Available for Public Comment
 A new Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) proposal for the policy plain language rewrite is now being offered for public comment
6/27/2012OPTN/UNOS Board approves new requirements for liver allocation, transplantation of non-resident candidates
 The OPTN/UNOS Board of Directors, at its semi-annual meeting June 25 and 26, approved revisions to liver allocation policy to ensure broader access to organs for candidates in urgent need of liver transplantation.
6/1/2012UNOS Researchers Present Studies at American Transplant Congress
 Boston – Researchers from United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) authored and will present several studies at the American Transplant Congress (ATC), a joint meeting of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and the American Society of Transplantation held June 2-6 at the John B. Hynes Convention Center. UNOS staff members are primary authors of a total of eight papers.
5/14/2012CreativeAid, UNOS Initiatives win Awards
 Six projects designed by CreativeAid received awards of distinction in the annual Communicator Awards, sponsored by the International Academy of Visual Arts (IAVA).
5/1/2012Meet the Transplant Living Story of Hope Contest Winner
 Transplant Living received more than 20,000 votes during the month of April to decide the site’s favorite story from a transplant recipient.
5/1/2012UNOS Endorses Facebook Organ Donation Status
 The social media site Facebook has announced today a new option for its more than 800 million users to share their personal commitment to organ and tissue donation.
4/1/2012New Look, Features for Patient Web site
 United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) today launched a new patient Web site, www.transplantliving.org. Long considered an important patient resource for transplant candidates and recipients, the site now has more information, a new patient community and an updated look.
3/1/2012OPTN/UNOS Officers and Board Members Elected
 Richmond, Va. -- Members of the national Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) have elected 25 members to its Board of Directors, including a new president, vice president of patient and donor affairs and secretary.
1/2/2012In Memoriam: John McDonald, M.D.
 UNOS honors the life and service of John C. McDonald, M.D., the first OPTN/UNOS president and Chancellor Emeritus of LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, La., who passed away December 31, 2011.
12/27/2011OPTN/UNOS statement regarding fatal helicopter air accident involving donation, transplant personnel
 The OPTN and UNOS share in the sorrow of Mayo Clinic Florida and the entire transplant community following news of a fatal helicopter accident on Dec. 26.
12/12/2011Nominees Chosen for Board of Directors Election
 At its November meeting, the OPTN/UNOS Board of Directors approved the following slate of nominees for Board appointments beginning in June 2012.
12/6/2011Additional Kidney Paired Donation Transplants Performed
 From September to mid-November, 10 transplants took place through the OPTN's national kidney paired donation (KPD) pilot program.
12/5/2011Canadian Transplant Officials Visit UNOS
 Five officials of Canadian Blood Services visited UNOS December 1 and 2 to learn more about the U.S. system of organ donation and transplantation.
11/16/2011Lisa Schaffner Named Volunteer of the Year
 Lisa Schaffner was honored today as Volunteer of the Year by the Central Virginia Chapter of Association of Fundraising Professionals at its annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon.
10/4/2011UNOS Commemorates 25th Anniversary of Receiving OPTN Contract
 On Sept. 30, 1986, UNOS signed the first contract with the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to establish the national Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN).
9/12/2011In Memoriam: John Newmann, Ph.D., M.P.H.
 UNOS honors the life and service of John M. Newmann, Ph.D., M.P.H., who passed away recently at the age of 70.
8/10/2011Study examines ethnic and gender-related differences in risk of ESRD after living kidney donation
 Members of the OPTN Minority Affairs Committee and UNOS Research Department staff authored a study published in the August 2011 issue of the American Journal of Transplantation, examining the relative risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) among prior living kidney donors by the donors’ ethnicity and gender.
7/28/2011National Minority Donor Awareness Day Observed August 1
 UNOS, along with transplant organizations nationwide, honors the observance of National Minority Donor Awareness Day on August 1.
7/11/2011OPTN/UNOS Declares Nevada Donor Network a Member Not in Good Standing
 

Richmond, Va. -- At its board meeting June 28 and 29, the OPTN/UNOS Board of Directors declared Nevada Donor Network to be a "Member Not in Good Standing."

6/28/2011Vermont Man Honored with National Award of Excellence for Organ Donation Advocacy
 RICHMOND, Va., June 28, 2011 -- James Carter of Underhill, Vt., was honored with the 2011 National Donor Memorial Award of Excellence for his extraordinary volunteer efforts in promoting organ donation for more than two decades.
5/25/2011UNOS Wins Three Communication Awards
 UNOS recently received three awards for design and interactive communication.
5/23/2011UNOS is saddened by the passing of Juanita Carwile
 Juanita served as Executive Assistant for 20 years to Executive Director, Walter Graham.
4/29/2011UNOS Researchers Present Studies at American Transplant Congress
 Philadelphia -- Researchers from UNOS authored and will present several studies at the American Transplant Congress (ATC), a joint meeting of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and the American Society of Transplantation held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center April 30 through May 4.
4/4/2011National Donate Life Month -- An Opportunity for Recipients to Express Gratitude and Remembrance
 National Donate Life Month, celebrated nationwide each April, presents a wonderful occasion for transplant recipients and their loved ones to express gratitude for the life-giving act of organ donation and remind the public of the need that still exists for many other people.
3/8/2011OPTN/UNOS Officers and Board Members Elected
 Richmond, Va. -- Members of the national Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) have elected 19 members to its Board of Directors, including a new president, vice president/president elect and treasurer.
3/1/2011Clarification of Media Reports on OPTN Kidney Allocation Concept Document
 Recent news reports have inaccurately described a request for public feedback on concepts that may be considered as part of future OPTN kidney allocation policy.
2/15/2011Center for Transplant System Excellence Names Research Team to Study Future Deceased Donation Potential Nationwide
 Eleven experts, representing diverse fields including system dynamics, epidemiology, biostatistics, quantitative geography and behavioral health, have been named as investigators in a national study to determine the future number and trends of potential deceased organ donors in the United States.
12/9/2010First Kidney Paired Donor Transplants Performed as Part of National Pilot Program
 Ken Crowder of St. Louis and Kathy Niedzwiecki of Pelham, N.H., are experiencing renewed life and health thanks to the generosity of two living kidney donors.
11/22/2010Federal Trade Commission Alert Regarding Alleged Scam of Transplant Patients
 The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently received notification of an alleged scam whereby patients waiting for an organ transplant are contacted by phone and requested to provide money in exchange for receiving a donor organ.
11/19/2010Nominees Chosen for Board of Directors Election
 At its November meeting, the OPTN/UNOS Board of Directors approved the following slate of nominees for Board appointments beginning in June 2011.
11/8/2010Center for Transplant System Excellence to Study National Potential for Future Deceased Donation; Federal Contract Amendment Worth Nearly $1.7 Million Over Two Years
 As the demand for organ transplantation continues to grow, many key decisions in medical care and national policy depend on a realistic estimate of the future number of potential deceased organ donors. The Center for Transplant System Excellence, a new initiative of United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), will study this issue under UNOS’ contract with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for operation of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). HRSA will add $1.7 million in federal funds to the contract over two years to support a multidisciplinary study to estimate deceased donor potential in the United States.
10/5/2010Kidney Paired Donation Pilot Program to Begin Matching in October; Participating Programs Named
 The national Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), operated under federal contract by United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), will soon perform the first match run of a national pilot program to facilitate kidney paired donation (KPD) transplants. The match run is intended to identify medically compatible pairs of potential living kidney donors and candidates, in cases where the potential donor was not able to match with his or her original intended recipient.
8/4/2010UNOS Launches New Corporate Web site
 Richmond, Va. -- The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) today launched a new corporate Web site, www.unos.org. Presenting a cleaner look, improved navigation and a host of added features, the new site provides visitors with a more user-friendly experience.
7/27/2010On-Site Training for Transplant Leaders
 Join other transplant professionals at UNOS headquarters in Richmond on September 22-23 to be part of a unique training opportunity.
6/23/2010UNOS Rededicates National Donor Memorial, Presents First Award of Excellence; First Lady of Virginia Among Featured Speakers
 In a poignant ceremony held the evening of June 21, UNOS rededicated the National Donor Memorial on the grounds of its headquarters.
5/1/2010UNOS Researchers Present Studies at American Transplant Congress
 San Diego -- Researchers from United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) authored and will present several studies at the American Transplant Congress (ATC), a joint meeting of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and the American Society of Transplantation held at the San Diego Convention Center May 1-5. UNOS staff researchers are authors in a total of eight papers being presented at ATC.
2/19/2010Participants Named for National Pilot Project for Kidney Paired Donation
 Four organizations representing more than 80 kidney transplant programs nationwide have been selected to enroll patients and potential living donors in a national pilot project to facilitate kidney paired donation (KPD) transplants.
1/7/2010OPTN/UNOS Guidance Regarding H1N1 and Implications for Transplantation
 The following information regarding H1N1 influenza preparedness has been updated. It includes more specific recommendations for donor evaluation and acceptance of donors with known or suspected H1N1 infection, as well as links to additional online resources.
11/25/2009Bulgarian Officials, Transplant Professionals Visit UNOS
 Representatives from Bulgarian transplant programs and transplant professional organizations and the Bulgarian government visited UNOS Nov. 24 to learn more about the U.S. organ transplant system and discuss opportunities for information exchange and assistance.
6/18/2009Results of 2008 UNOS Member Survey
 In November 2008, UNOS sent a questionnaire to nearly 8000 procurement and transplant professionals.
5/29/2009UNOS Researchers Present Studies at American Transplant Congress
 Boston -- Researchers from United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) authored and will present several studies at the American Transplant Congress (ATC), a joint meeting of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and the American Society of Transplantation held at the John B. Hynes Veteran Convention Center May 30 through June 3.
5/14/2009UNOS Receives Healthcare Technology Innovation Award
 The Greater Richmond Technology Council honored UNOS on May 13 with the Packet360 and Cisco Systems Technology Innovation Healthcare Award for contributions to the technology economy in the Richmond area.
5/1/2009OPTN Statement Regarding H1N1 Virus
 The OPTN shares in the worldwide concern over the public health risk posed by the newly discovered H1N1 influenza strain, commonly referred to as "swine flu."
4/8/2009Update your links and bookmarks: OPTN transitions to new Web site
 The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) has changed its address and improved its Web site. The new site can now be found at http://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov
3/23/2009UNOS Celebrates 25th Anniversary
 In one field -- organ transplantation -- the mid-1980s marked its transition from a rare treatment, often considered experimental, to a mainstream therapy able to help thousands of people with end-stage organ failure.
3/13/2009Follow Transplant Living with social networking tools
 Facebook is a growing social networking site helping people stay connected.
1/5/2009New National Donor Memorial Web site Launched
 The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) today launched its expanded National Donor Memorial Web site (www.donormemorial.org). This tribute-driven site honors organ and tissue donors in this country, highlights the impact of their gift of life on the lives of so many others, and underscores the critical importance of increasing organ donation.
11/18/2008OPTN/UNOS Fully Reinstates St. Vincent Medical Center
 St. Louis -- The OPTN/UNOS Board of Directors has reinstated the full membership status of St. Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles, removing its status of probation.
10/8/2008U.S. Transplant Waiting List Passes 100,000
 As of Oct. 6, 2008, more than 100,000 people were registered awaiting an organ transplant from a deceased donor at U.S. transplant centers. This is the first time that threshold has been exceeded.
9/17/2008UNOS' Patient Web site Now Available in Spanish
 Transplant Living, UNOS' award-winning patient information Web site, is now available in Spanish at www.trasplantesyvida.org.
7/15/2008In Memoriam: Michael DeBakey, M.D., FACS
 UNOS honors the life and achievements of Michael DeBakey, M.D., FACS, who has passed away at the age of 99.
6/20/2008UNOS Memorial Honors University of Michigan Team, Other Transplant Professionals Who Have Died In Life-Giving Service
 Richmond, Va. -- United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) dedicated a set of wind chimes in honor of all transplant professionals who have given their lives in the performance of their duties, and in particular six individuals who died in a tragic plane accident while bringing an organ offer to the University of Michigan Medical Center.
6/2/2008UNOS Researchers Present Studies at American Transplant Congress
 Toronto -- Researchers from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) authored and will present several studies at the American Transplant Congress (ATC), a joint meeting of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and the American Society of Transplantation held at the Metropolitan Toronto Convention Center May 30 through June 4. UNOS staff researchers are authors in a total of 10 papers being presented at ATC.
5/22/2008In Memoriam: Richard Lower, M.D.
 UNOS mourns the passing of Richard Lower, M.D. His pioneering research and practice helped establish heart transplantation as a successful therapy that has benefited tens of thousands of people worldwide.
5/21/2008Top Selling Book About Organ and Tissue Donation Now Available in Hardcover
 "The Gift That Heals: Stories of hope, renewal and transformation through organ and tissue donation," by Reg Green and published jointly by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and the Nicholas Green Foundation in January 2008, is now the top selling book at AuthorHouse, the leading provider of self-publishing for authors around the globe. It is also now available in hardcover.
2/27/2008A faster, easier and better search experience
 Responding to feedback from patients and members, UNOS today launched the Google search engine on its UNOS, OPTN and Transplant Living Web sites. This feature makes it much easier to search for Web content, PDF files and other online file attachments. Patients and members alike will now be able to more easily locate specific transplant information.
2/21/2008OPTN/UNOS Board Addresses Member Probation, Living Donor Resource Document
 Orlando, Fla. -- At its meeting today, the OPTN/UNOS Board of Directors withdrew the status of probation for Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego. The Board had placed Sharp on probation in September 2006 based on functional inactivity involving its pancreas transplant program. The center was allowed to continue transplant activity while under probationary status.
1/10/2008Now Available--The Gift That Heals: Stories of Hope, Renewal and Transformation Through Organ and Tissue Donation
 A few years ago, UNOS approached writer and donor dad Reg Green with the idea of writing a book about organ and tissue donation. The recently published book is titled, "The Gift That Heals: Stories of hope, renewal and transformation through organ and tissue donation." What makes this book unique is that it consists of 42 personal stories covering almost every facet of the donation/transplantation process -- the experiences of donor families, living donors, transplant candidates and recipients, donation and transplant professionals.
12/11/2007UNOS Statement Regarding the Charlie W. Norwood Living Organ Donation Act
 The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) commends the U.S. Congress for its passage of the Charlie W. Norwood Living Organ Donation Act. This act clarifies the legal basis for paired transplants of compatible living donors and recipients.
11/26/2007UNOS Launches New Online Stores
 Now it’s easier than ever to order those patient and professional transplant resources that you rely on. United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) has launched three new online stores! You can even buy merchandise.
10/2/2007UNOS Renames Transplant Library In Honor Of Colleague
 United Network for Organ Sharing is proud to announce the renaming of our transplant library in honor of our colleague H. Myron Kauffman, Jr., M.D., FACS, who died in June.
8/7/2007In Memoriam: James S. Wolf, M.D.
 The OPTN, UNOS and Donate Life America mourn the passing of James S. Wolf, M.D. His life was integral with the field of organ transplantation -- as a transplant surgeon, a passionate advocate for organ donation and a transplant recipient.
6/28/2007In Memoriam, H. Myron Kauffman (April 7, 1933 - June 26, 2007)
 The OPTN/UNOS is saddened by the sudden passing of H. Myron Kauffman, M.D., FACS, our Medical Director and Senior Scientist. Dr. Kauffman was a pioneer in both the practice and science of transplantation, with 45 years of involvement in the field.
6/26/2007UNOS Board Further Addresses Transplant Tourism
 Richmond, Va. -- The Board of Directors of United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), at its meeting today, approved a series of resolutions amplifying UNOS’ position regarding “transplant tourism” (purchase of a transplantable organ outside the United States in a way that bypasses laws, rules or processes of any or all countries involved).
6/19/2007Guidelines for psychosocial evaluation of potential living unrelated donors
 You may well be aware of, or even taken part in, the May 2006 conference to develop guidelines for the psychosocial evaluation of potential living unrelated kidney donors. UNOS, the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and the American Society of Transplantation jointly sponsored the meeting. A recent edition of the American Journal of Transplantation contains a report of that conference and the recommendations of its participants.
5/7/2007UNOS Researchers Present Studies at American Transplant Congress
 San Francisco -- Researchers from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) authored and will present several studies at the American Transplant Congress (WTC), a joint meeting of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and the American Society of Transplantation held at the Moscone West Convention Center in San Francisco May 5-9. UNOS staff researchers are authors in a total of 16 papers being presented at ATC.
4/23/2007Statement from UNOS President Sue V. McDiarmid Regarding Federal Oversight of Transplantation
 United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) commends recent efforts to establish new criteria and clarify existing processes for federal oversight of the nation's transplant system.
4/5/2007CMS Regulation Addresses Conditions of Participation for Transplant Programs
 On March 30, 2007, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published a final rule regarding transplant program certification under the Medicare Conditions of Participation. The regulation is effective June 28, 2007.
4/5/2007Justice Department Finds Paired Donation Consistent with Federal Law
 The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) has concluded that paired exchanges of living donor kidney transplants, and living donor transplants for increased priority in deceased donor allocation, do not count as “valuable consideration” under the terms of the National Organ Transplant Act of 1984, as amended (NOTA). This opinion was expressed in a memorandum to the General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services dated March 28.
1/19/2007OPTN/UNOS Member Compliance and Quality Review Initiatives
 Dear Colleagues, As we begin this new year, I wish to remind you of the continuing atention the OPTN and UNOS devote to issues of institutional member compliance with policies and by-laws, as well as the safety and quality of outcomes for transplant candidates, recipients and living donors.
12/21/2006Monitoring Compliance, Safety Key to Transplant System
 Historically, the OPTN’s primary focus has been the efficient and equitable allocation of the nation’s organ supply and the collection of data for analyzing organ donation, organ transplantation and transplant outcomes.
12/5/2006United Network for Organ Sharing Receives Funding to Continue Developing a Disease Transmission Reporting System
 United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), which oversees the nation's Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) under a federal government contract, has received second year funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for a cooperative agreement to develop a new system to enhance transplant patient safety.
9/29/2006National Transplant System -- The First 20 Years
 It's been 51 years since the first kidney transplant, so it may be surprising that we’ve only been sharing organs as a nation for the last 20 years.
9/19/2006Kirby Foundation Awards UNOS a $1 Million Grant
 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.
7/24/2006UNOS Researchers Present Studies at World Transplant Congress
 Boston, Mass. -- Researchers from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) authored and will present several studies at the World Transplant Congress (WTC), a joint meeting of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons, American Society of Transplantation and The Transplantation Society held at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Mass., July 22-27. UNOS staff researchers are authors in a total of 21 papers being presented at WTC.
7/19/2006Monthly Record Number of Organ Donors Reported
 More lives were saved by organ transplantation in the month of May than in any month ever before! According to data from the nation’s Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), operated by United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), there were 725 deceased organ donors in the United States in May, 2006.
7/19/2006New Look, Features for Patient Web site
 Long considered an important patient resource for transplant candidates and recipients, UNOS’ Transplant Living Web site now has more information, new resources and an updated look.
12/16/2005United Network for Organ Sharing Recognized at IABC’s Best in Virginia Awards
 RICHMOND, Va. -- The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) recently earned awards from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) 2005 Best in Virginia competition.
10/26/2005OPTN/UNOS Data Shows Significant Difference in Cancer Incidence Rates in Transplant Recipients Based Upon Immunosuppression Regimen
 Patients receiving mTOR Inhibitors Exhibit Fewer Early Malignancies Than Those Receiving Calcineurin-Based Regimens
10/20/2005Grant to build technology center will carry U.S. transplant system into future
 Richmond, Va. -- A one-million-dollar grant from The Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation will help enhance the information technology infrastructure that is used to manage the nation's transplant system. Upgraded information technology will enable UNOS to optimize waitlist management, organ matching and distribution, ultimately benefiting the more than 90,000 people waiting for an organ transplant in the United States.
10/3/2005UNOS Again Receives National Transplant Network Contract
 Key Goals Include Supporting Increases in Donation, Transplantation, Survival
8/18/2005Everybody's a donor in this bunch
 When they came East on a trip that included a poignant stop in Richmond, Tom and Joyce Falsey left their hearts in Kansas. And their kidneys in Nebraska. But they brought their good nature with them.
8/10/2005Audit Recommends Continued ISO Certification
 A recently concluded independent audit reported that the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) continues to qualify for ISO 9001:2000 certification. UNOS operates the national Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) under contract with the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services.
6/30/2005UNOS to develop heart device registry and Web site for NIH supported Interagency Registry of Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices
 Richmond, VA -- The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), primarily known for maintaining the nation’s waiting list for organ transplants and matching organs with potential transplant recipients, today announced two new contracts. UNOS will build a Web-based information resource and a registry to track patients receiving certain types of heart devices.
6/28/2005Patient Web Site Adds New Information About Pregnancy After Transplant
 In its continuing effort to make information readily available to transplant candidates, recipients and their families, the Transplant Living Web site (www.transplantliving.org) has recently added a new section, "Pregnancy after Transplant."
5/25/2005Does Clinical or Histologic Stage Make a Difference in Outcome for Patients with HCC Receiving Liver
 Seattle, Wash. -- The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) is a numerical scale currently used for liver allocation. MELD scores are based on a patient's risk of dying while waiting for a liver transplant, and are based on objective and verifiable medical data. A study examined the results of liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) under the MELD system. This study, among others, was presented at the American Transplant Congress, a combined scientific session of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and the American Society of Transplantation, held at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle, Wash.
5/23/2005Association of Different Immunosuppressive Regimens with Posttransplant De Novo Malignancies in Liver Recipients
 Seattle, Wash. -- A study examined the impact of maintenance immunosuppression regimens and association of induction therapy with de novo malignancies in liver transplant recipients. This study, among others, was presented at the American Transplant Congress, a combined scientific session of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and the American Society of Transplantation, held at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle, Wash.
5/22/2005UNOS Researchers Present Studies at Transplant Meetings
 Seattle, Wash. -- Researchers from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) authored or will present several studies at the American Transplant Congress (ATC), a joint scientific session of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and the American Society of Transplantation held at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center in Seattle, Wash. UNOS staff researchers are authors in a total of 24 papers being presented at ATC. Below is a listing of studies to be presented on Sunday, May 22 in which UNOS researchers are primary authors.
4/4/2005OPTN/UNOS OPO Technology Consensus Conference
 The second OPTN/UNOS OPO Technology Consensus Conference met in San Antonio, Texas on March 1-2, 2005. The objectives of the conference were to develop consensus on a data model for communicating donor information; discuss data privacy and security issues; exchange information for obtaining Internet access in donor hospitals; and to discuss the development of standards for data, technologies, security and processes.
3/24/2005UNOS Celebrates 10 Years Online
 In early 1995, the "Internet" was just becoming a household word, and the concept of a "World-Wide Web" site was even less familiar. Most people using the Internet back then accessed e-mails and, perhaps, retrieved text or data from gopher and FTP sites.
12/23/2004Fiftieth Anniversary of Organ Transplantation Commemorated
 The first successful kidney transplant was performed fifty years ago today at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital (now Brigham and Women’s Hospital). Then, Dr. Joseph Murray led the surgical team that performed the transplant between identical twins Richard Herrick (recipient) and Ronald Herrick (living donor). Many news organizations this week are reflecting on the advancement of transplantation from its early history to the present.
12/22/2004United Network for Organ Sharing Recognized with Distinguished Awards
 RICHMOND, Va.--The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) recently earned awards from the Health Care Resource & Innovations Congress (HCRIC) and International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) 2004 Best in Virginia competitions.
12/20/2004Celebrating 50 years of saving lives
 The first successful kidney transplant was performed fifty years ago today at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital (now Brigham and Women's Hospital). Then, Dr. Joseph Murray led the surgical team that performed the transplant between identical twins Richard Herrick (recipient) and Ronald Herrick (living donor). Many news organizations this week are reflecting on the advancement of transplantation from its early history to the present.
11/7/2004Comprehensive Review of OPTN/UNOS Deceased Donor Kidney Allocation
 In the coming months, The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN)/United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) will conduct a comprehensive review of the national system for allocating deceased donor kidneys. This review has been stimulated by recent reviews that led to significant changes in the allocation of solid organs such as liver and lung. However, the issues surrounding deceased donor kidney allocation are likely to be quite different. We are intent on making this comprehensive review an open process that will include input from all areas of the transplant community and general public.
10/25/2004New Pediatric Transplant Information Resource Now Available
 To help children and families feel more at ease with the organ transplantation process, the Transplant Living Web, www.transplantliving.org, has been expanded to include pediatric-specific topics and resources in an understandable format. It is also designed to let parents know that they are not alone and that there are other children that need a transplant.
9/22/2004Organ Center Again Sets All-Time Monthly Record in August
 For the second time in four months, the Organ Center set an all-time monthly record for organ placement services in August. The Organ Center provided placement services for 665 organs, eclipsing the former record of 610 in May 2004. This level of activity translates into an average of 21 organs every day. Through the end of August, organ placement activity is 18 percent greater for this calendar year compared to last year.
8/13/2004UNOS Receives ISO Certification for Several Key Functions
 The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), which operates the national Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) under contract with the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, has been certified as compliant with ISO 9001:2000 standards for quality management and quality improvement for its information technology, organ placement and transplant data management functions.
6/11/2004UNOS Wins Three Communications Awards
 UNOS received three awards at the 57th annual Virginia Public Relations Awards ceremony June 9 for interactive communications and feature article writing.
6/2/2004Study Concludes "Regional Review Boards Improve Liver Transplant Allocation"
 Patients waiting for liver transplants are prioritized based on the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) or Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease (PELD) score. The MPS (MELD/PELD score) is a well-validated measure of short-term mortality from liver disease, however, referring physicians who believe a patient faces a greater mortality risk than predicted by the MPS can request accelerated listing.
5/14/2004UNOS Researchers Present Studies at American Transplant Congress
 Boston -- Researchers from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) authored several studies at the American Transplant Congress (ATC), a combined scientific session of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and the American Society of Transplantation, May 15-19 in Boston. UNOS staff researchers are authors in a total of 31 papers presented at the ATC.
4/6/2004UNOS Captures Coveted Award
 The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) was recognized in the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) 2004 International Gold Quill Awards. This year, the UNOS Web Team won an award of merit in the Electronic and Digital Communications category.
3/22/2004Web Documentary Records Life and Death Drama of Organ Transplantation
 A unique online web documentary about organ and tissue donation and transplantation in America launches today, covering dramatic stories of patients who wait for and receive life-saving organ transplants. This 12-day internet-based documentary will give site visitors a rare and emotional look inside the human drama surrounding organ and tissue transplantation.
1/27/2004Article Chronicles 20 Years of Organ Sharing in the United States
 Over the nearly fifty-year history of organ transplantation, efficient use of donated organs has become increasingly vital to meet the needs of people with organ failure.
1/20/2004Transplant Living Site Wins Web Award
 UNOS' recently enhanced Transplant Living Web site (www.transplantliving.org) has won a bronze award from the World Wide Web Health Awards in the category of patient education and information for the autumn of 2003.
12/11/2003UNOS Dedicates the National Donor Memorial
 On November 20, 2003, the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) dedicated the National Donor Memorial, honoring America's organ and tissue donors and their families. The memorial also highlights the impact of their gift of life and underscores the critical importance of increasing organ donation.
10/31/2003"One-Stop" Information Source Launched for Organ Transplant Patients
 The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) today launched its expanded patient information Web site (www.transplantliving.org) to meet the needs of patients and families dealing with organ transplantation.
10/7/2003Isabel and the Organ Center: The Business of Preparedness
 The Organ Center at UNOS stayed open and fully operational, even when the federal government declared Virginia an "emergency disaster area."
9/26/2003Collaboration Announced to Increase Donation Among Minorities
 Former NBA star and ESPN/ABC commentator, Sean Elliott today announced a national education campaign to promote organ donation among U.S. minority communities at the American Society of Minority Health Transplant Professionals (ASMHTP) 11th Annual Meeting.
8/27/2003New Technology Allows Electronic Sharing of Donor Information
 During its first full month of operation, a web-based application designed to improve patient safety and increase the efficiency and accuracy of the organ placement process has enabled transplant professionals to electronically access more than 500 medical files about organ donors.
5/30/2003UNOS Researchers Present Studies at Transplant Meetings
 Researchers from the United Network for Organ Sharing authored or will present several studies at the American Transplant Congress. New presentation and study summaries posted online.
4/25/2003HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson Unveils New Donor Initiative
 Richmond, Va. -- Federal, state and local government officials joined the transplant community today to celebrate life. U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Tommy G. Thompson delivered a keynote address in celebration of the first ever National Donate Life Month and then joined in the groundbreaking of the National Donor Memorial.
4/23/2003Notice to Transplant Community Regarding Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
 The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) distributes SARS information to transplantation professionals.
4/18/2003Organ and Tissue Donors Honored on National Donor Memorial Web Site
 Organ and tissue donor families, transplant recipients and others who have been touched by donation may now honor their loved one or donor on the National Donor Memorial Web site.
3/19/2003UNOS to convene donation request consensus conference
 The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) will convene more than 50 organ donation and transplantation professionals in Orlando, Fla. April 28-30, 2003 to discuss donation request techniques and reach a consensus on best practices based on current research.
2/24/2003UNOS statement regarding death of Jesica Santillan
 The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) is saddened by the death of Jesica Santillan. The entire transplantation network strives to save lives and provide long-term benefit for all people awaiting transplants in the U.S. We are affected by all deaths that occur among people on the transplant waiting list or those who recently received a transplant.
1/3/2003UNOS Technology, Organ Center Relocation a Successful "Non-Event"
 Over the week of Christmas, when many people were more concerned with shopping, travel, feasting, or over-excited children, UNOS was busy transferring key technology and lifesaving services to its brand-new headquarters building in downtown Richmond, Va. The switchover was virtually unnoticed by the outside world -- and that is just what UNOS planners hoped to accomplish.
12/30/2002UNOS Headquarters Relocates to Downtown Richmond
 UNOS corporate headquarters has relocated to the Virginia Bio-Technology Research Park in downtown Richmond, VA. UNOS' address and phone numbers (except for existing toll-free lines) have changed.
9/20/2002UNOS Researcher Presents Findings on Minority Transplants
 Birmingham, Al. -- United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) researcher Wida S. Cherikh, Ph.D. will present the results of studies on access to kidney transplants for African Americans and the benefit of living donation to minorities Friday at the American Society of Minority Health and Transplant Professionals annual meeting in Birmingham, Al.
8/23/2002UNOS Researchers Present Findings at Transplant Meetings
 Hollywood, Fla. -- Researchers from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) will present several studies at the XIX International Congress of The Transplantation Society August 25 - 30 at the Westin Diplomat Resort in Hollywood, Fla. The study summaries are below. UNOS staff researchers are indicated with an asterisk.
7/24/2002Organ Center Turns 20
 Richmond, Va. -- Twenty years ago this week national organ sharing got its start. The Kidney Center, now the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Organ Center, began operating the first national organ allocation system as a one-year pilot project to test the effectiveness of a centralized organ allocation and transplantation center.
6/28/2002National Donor Memorial Announced
 Orlando, Fla. -- The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) announced today the creation of a National Donor Memorial as part of its new headquarters currently under construction in Richmond, Virginia.
6/28/2002OPTN/UNOS Board Endorses Studies of Incentives to Increase Donation
 The OPTN/UNOS Board of Directors addressed financial incentives for organ donation at its semi-annual meeting in Orlando, FL this week.
6/15/2002UNOS Editorial: Study of Post transplant Malignancies May Advance Oncology
 In an editorial in the May 2002 edition of the journal Liver Transplantation, UNOS researchers offer the view that careful study of posttransplant malignancies may help "unravel some of the mysteries of malignancies in general." The editorial, entitled "Posttransplantation Malignancies: A Problem, a Challenge, and an Opportunity," comments on recent studies of posttransplant tumors and offers insights gained from studying the OPTN/UNOS Transplant Tumor Registry.
3/27/2002Risk of Tumor Transmission Small From Donors With Certain Types of Central Nervous System Cancer
 (Richmond, VA) -- Very few organs are procured from donors with central nervous system (CNS) tumors in the United States presumably due to concern about tumor transmission. But, according to a United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) study published in the February 27, 2002 issue of Transplantation, there was no difference in transplant patient survival regardless of whether the donor died of a CNS tumor.
2/6/2002Organ Center Alumni Graduate to Higher Calling in the Community
 Some say the most rewarding work in transplantation can sometimes be found in the heart of UNOS - the Organ Center, Grand Central Station for transplantation.
2/6/2002UNOS Statement On The Truth About Organ Trafficking Rumors
 A recent news report from Mexico City detailed the investigation and break-up of a child-trafficking ring that allegedly smuggled Central American children to the United States. The report indicated that Mexico's Federal Preventative Police were investigating the possibility that the children were being smuggled as part of an organ trafficking scheme or other illegal activity.
12/19/2001UNOS Online Honored
 UNOS Online continues to gain recognition among Web and communications experts.
10/3/2001Transplant Community Shines In Wake of Sept. 11 Events
 The horrifying Sept. 11th terrorist attack on New York's World Trade Center and the Pentagon temporarily paralyzed air traffic nationwide, prompting the transplant community the look for alternative means of transportation for meetings and organ delivery.
9/21/2001OPTN/UNOS President's Statement: National Organ Transplantation Activity September 11-14, 2001
 On behalf of the OPTN/UNOS Board of Directors, I wish to thank the entire transplant community and commend the efforts of U.S. transplant centers, organ procurement organizations and histocompatibility laboratories, as well as the UNOS Organ Center, for continuing to provide transplant services throughout the series of events that began Tuesday, Sept. 11.
9/21/2001Statement of Jeremiah G. Turcotte, M.D., President, OPTN/UNOS Board of Directors, Regarding National Organ Transplantation Activity Sept. 11-14, 2001
 On behalf of the OPTN/UNOS Board of Directors, I wish to thank the entire transplant community and commend the efforts of U.S. transplant centers, organ procurement organizations and histocompatibility laboratories, as well as the UNOS Organ Center, for continuing to provide transplant services throughout the series of events that began Tuesday, Sept. 11.
9/21/2001UNOS Breaks Ground for New Headquarters
 UNOS and representatives from its A Mission for Life development campaign broke ground Sept. 21 for UNOS' new headquarters to be built in the Virginia Bio-Technology Park in downtown Richmond. The 80,000-square-foot building, which will also include space for an additional tenant selected by the Bio-Technology Park, is expected to be ready for occupancy by December 2002.
9/5/2001New Program Lets Recipients, Donor Families Honor Special Person or Occasion
 On the anniversary of his death each year, Rosalie Saxon will remember her husband, Arnie, with a lasting gift that will benefit many. She will do this through a dedicated contribution to the National Transplantation Resources Center (NTRC) Tributes Program. This year Rosalie chose a book on transplantation from the patient perspective. Inside the main cover is a nameplate with a memorial message.
8/10/2001New Initiatives May Shorten Wait for Kidney Transplant
 Richmond VA -- Candidates for kidney transplants in UNOS Region 1 may find a shorter wait for their operation. A new incentive program was started for people with family members in need of a kidney. UNOS approved the program in February after nine months of review.
6/29/2001UNOS Board Condemns Organ Brokering
 San Diego, CA -- The United Network for Organ Sharing's (UNOS) Board of Directors, at its semi-annual meeting June 28 and 29, adopted a statement condemning organ brokering activities and calling for U.S. transplant organizations to avoid any activities that may support the buying or selling of organs.
6/15/2001Hoaxes, Urban Myths May Hurt Organ Donation
 Persistent and false urban myths and hoaxes circulating on the Internet are gaining new life, with pranksters posting new material about everything from stolen kidneys sold on the black market to human flesh from organ donors sold for human consumption.
5/16/2001UNOS Contributes to Two ISHLT Analyses
 Leah Bennett, Ph.D., an Assistant Director in the UNOS Research Department, was among the authors of two studies presented at the 21st Annual Meeting of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT), held April 25-28 in Vancouver, British Columbia.
4/4/2001UNOS, Microsoft Technology Saving Lives
 The combination of Internet-based technology and Microsoft products is speeding the communication of vital, time-sensitive data on the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN).
2/9/2001Organ Donors With History of Cancer Analyzed
 An analysis of 650 organ transplants from donors with a past history of cancer indicates that selective use of such donors may minimize the risk of cancer transmission and permit expansion of the pool of potential organ donors. This was the conclusion of researchers from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and Massachusetts General Hospital in an article published in the Dec. 27 issue of the journal Transplantation.
1/5/2001UNOS Online Receives International Association Web Award
 Richmond, Va. -- The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Website, UNOS Online, has added another Web award to its growing list of accolades. The "Golden Web Award" is given to sites by the International Association of Web Masters and Designers in recognition of creativity, integrity and excellence on the Web.
10/25/2000Internet-based Transplant Program Celebrates Successes
 Richmond, Va. -- Whether for a 5-year-old Miami boy in need of a kidney or a California woman donating her organs, the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) utilizes Internet technology to save thousands of lives through the generous gift made by organ donors.
10/7/2000Liver Urgency Scale to Progress Based on Comments
 Irving, TX -- The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) is considering modifications to a proposed improved, objective scale to classify medical urgency of patients needing liver transplants, based on feedback from a public forum held here today.
9/28/2000UNOS Again Receives Federal Contract for Transplant Allocation Network
 Richmond, VA -- The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) today was again awarded the federal contract issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer the national system for organ matching and distribution. This represents the fifth consecutive time UNOS has received this unique contract, which UNOS has operated since it was first awarded in 1986.
8/4/2000Urgent Liver Patients Receive Higher Proportion of Transplants
 RICHMOND, VA -- A United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) analysis of recent changes to U.S. liver transplant policy indicates that urgent patients receive a large and increasing proportion of donated livers.
6/30/2000UNOS Awarded for Launch of Patient Information Web site
 Richmond, VA -- The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) received a Medallion Award at the 53rd annual Virginia Public Relations Awards Competition June 28 for the development and launch of the Transplant Living(sm) Web site (http://www.patients.unos.org), part of the UNOS online presence which also includes UNOS' main Web site (http://www.unos.org).
6/16/2000UNOS Statement Financial Aspects of Organ and Tissue Donation
 Richmond, VA - The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Board of Directors issued the following statement at its semi-annual meeting June 15 & 16.
4/7/2000Microsoft Acknowledges UNOS in Case Study
 Microsoft acknowledged UNOS' successful blend of Internet and Microsoft tools in a case study. The programming giant reviewed the UNOS operation and its accomplishment.
4/7/2000Smithsonian Institute Honors UNOS Life-Saving Technology
 Richmond, Va. -- The Smithsonian Institute recently recognized the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS)'s life-saving organ matching system by incorporating it into the Permanent Research Collection on Information Technology.
2/2/2000UNOS Releases Preliminary Findings From Requestor Project
 Richmond, Va. - The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) today released some preliminary demographic information from its Council for Organ Availability Requestor Project, which is examining organ donation requestors who have the most success in getting families to say "yes" to organ donation.
1/21/2000UNOS Receives Million Dollar Kirby Foundation Grant
 Richmond, Va. - The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) has received a $1 million grant from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, the largest gift in the not-for-profit network's 15-year history. The award is also the first major contribution to UNOS' Mission for Life Capital and Endowment Campaign.
11/1/1999Football Hall of Famer Walter Payton Dies
 Richmond, Va. -- The United Network for Organ Sharing and those in the transplant community share in the grief of Walter Payton's death from cancer on Nov. 1, 1999.
10/22/1999UNet Goes Live
 UNOS has pioneered a new Internet-based technology to speed the communication of vital, time-sensitive Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) data.
8/25/1999New UNOS Leave Policy Supports Living Organ Donation
 Living donation offers a huge benefit, but having to miss work and possibly several paychecks can be worrisome for potential donors.
8/20/1999"Stolen" Kidney Myth Circulating
 It's as unbelievable as Bigfoot, as common as alleged Elvis sightings and has the transplant community cringing. It often begins with "This is not a joke" or "Alert for business travelers". Unfortunately, this message passed by e-mail and word of mouth is anything but the truth.
7/20/1999IOM Report Released
 I am writing to update you on today's release of the Institute of Medicine's report examining the current OPTN policies and the potential impact of the HHS Final Rule released last year.
4/9/1999Critical Care Nurse Journal Dedicated to Organ Donation
 The April 1999 issue of Critical Care Nurse, coordinated by UNOS and dedicated to issues surrounding organ donation, has been published. The major focus of the issue is the debut to critical care nurses of a newly developed critical pathway for the organ donor.
1/18/1999UNOS Helps Author ISHLT Journal Article
 A UNOS board member and several staff members were among the authors of "The Second Pediatric Report of the ISHLT Registry," which appears in the January edition of the Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation.
10/20/1998UNOS Team Authors Journal Of Heart And Lung Transplantation Article
 A scientific article titled, "Transplantation with Older Donor Hearts for Presumed "Stable" Recipients: An Analysis of the Joint International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation/United Network for Organ Sharing Thoracic Registry," was published in the September 1998 Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation. The article was authored by Leah Bennett, Ph.D., and Erick Edwards, Ph.D., of UNOS, and Jeffrey Hosenpud, M.D. of the Medical College of Wisconsin.
10/6/1998UNOS Team Authors JAMA Article
 An article on the 1997 Center-Specific Graft and Patient Survival Rates Report written by a team of UNOS Scientific Advisory Committee members and staff scientists appears in the October 7 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
7/28/1998Organ Donation Supported by Religion According to Newly Released Guide
 Richmond, Va. -- The larger religious denominations in the United States have either endorsed organ donation or have left it to individual choice, according to Organ and Tissue Donation: A Reference Guide for Clergy, a comprehensive guide just published by The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and the South-Eastern Organ Procurement Foundation (SEOPF).
5/8/1998UNOS Wins Local, National Recognition for Technology
 Richmond, VA -- The information technology developed by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) has received the Greater Richmond Technology Council's 1998 Breakthrough Technology Award.
2/3/1998Update: Good As New, 5-year-old Brittany Combs, one of only a few in the world to receive a five-organ multivisceral transplant
 "You want to play in my room now?" the little voice asked. It was 10 p.m. and 5-year-old Brittany Combs was still up, hanging out with the grown-ups. "I don't know if I'll have time," the visitor answered. "We'll have to see."
12/22/1997Institute of Medicine Report on Non-Heart-Beating Donors: Medical & Ethical Issues | National Academy Press
 Non-heart-beating donors (individuals whose deaths are determined by cessation of heart and respiratory function rather than loss of whole brain function) could potentially be of major importance in reducing the gap between the demand for and available supply of organs for transplantation.
2/21/1997Debunking the Kidney Heist Hoax
 A persistent and totally false urban myth has gained new life and notoriety thanks to the Internet. The myth, often told from someone's "personal experience," describes a business traveler who is heavily drugged, then awakes to find he or she has had one kidney (or sometimes both) removed for a black market transplant.
5/24/1996Second Edition of UNOS Organ Procurement Book Published
 Richmond, VA -- The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) has published the second edition of UNOS Organ Procurement, Preservation and Distribution in Transplantation. The book provides professionals involved in the field of transplantation with a convenient reference source for comprehensive, reliable, and current information on practices and issues involving organ and tissue procurement, preservation and distribution.
1/15/1996UNOS Rationale for Objectives of Equitable Organ Allocation
 This article contains data current to its publication in 1994, but it is still useful in stating the goals and objectives of the UNOS allocation system.

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