Maureen McBride, Ph.D., CEO of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), has sent a letter to Congress urging action on critical reforms to the nation's organ donation and transplantation system. The proposed changes aim to remove barriers, increase efficiency, and reduce organ non-use, potentially saving thousands of lives each year. The letter, addressed to members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, outlines four key proposals that require federal action. These reforms are beyond UNOS' authority as the contractor for the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) and have garnered support from nearly 70 members of the organ donation and transplantation community.
The first proposal calls for mandating automated donor referrals to optimize the donor referral process. This could lead to an increase in both donor referrals and actual organ donors. The second reform advocates for mandatory in-cabin airline transportation for organs, which would help reduce the risk of organs being lost, delayed, or damaged during transit. The third proposal focuses on mandating organ tracking for unaccompanied organs, further enhancing the safety and efficiency of organ transportation. Lastly, McBride suggests incentivizing transplant hospitals to accept hard-to-place organs and reduce organ non-use, which could significantly increase the number of organs available for transplant.
These reforms are particularly crucial given the current state of organ donation in the United States. Approximately 16 people die each day while waiting for an organ transplant. If enacted, the proposed changes could prevent an estimated 4,000 deaths annually by making more organs available for transplantation. McBride emphasized the importance of these reforms, stating, "We fight on behalf of patients every day and are energized by Congress' renewed focus on strengthening the system. Our proposed reforms capitalize on this opportunity to enact policy changes that will help more people get the lifesaving transplants they need."
The letter to Congress represents a significant step toward improving the organ donation and transplantation system in the United States. By addressing key areas such as donor referrals, organ transportation, and hospital incentives, these reforms have the potential to save thousands of lives and reduce the number of people dying while waiting for transplants. The proposed changes align with UNOS' broader mission to serve the organ donation and transplant system and the public health community. Through its work in developing new technologies, conducting data-driven research, and advocating for patients, UNOS continues to play a crucial role in bringing communities together to save lives.
As the organ donation and transplantation community awaits Congressional action, the proposed reforms offer hope for a more efficient and effective system that could significantly impact the lives of thousands of patients waiting for lifesaving organ transplants. The potential to save an estimated 4,000 lives annually underscores the urgency and importance of these proposed changes to the national organ donation and transplantation system. For more information on UNOS' recommendations to strengthen the system, interested parties can refer to UNOS' Action Agenda.
