Maureen McBride, Ph.D., CEO of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), has sent a letter to Congress urging action on crucial 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.
McBride's letter, supported by nearly 70 members of the transplant community, outlines four key proposals: mandating automated donor referrals, requiring in-cabin airline transportation for organs, mandating organ tracking for unaccompanied organs, and incentivizing transplant hospitals to accept hard-to-place organs. These reforms require federal action and are beyond UNOS' authority as the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) contractor.
The proposed changes could have a significant impact on the organ donation landscape. Data suggests that if enacted, these reforms could lead to an increase in both donor referrals and organ donors, a reduction in organs lost or damaged in transit, and a decrease in the number of people dying while waiting for a transplant. Currently, about 16 people die each day on the organ waitlist. The proposed reforms could potentially prevent an estimated 4,000 deaths annually by making more organs available for transplant.
This call for action comes at a critical time, as Congress has shown renewed focus on strengthening the organ donation and transplant system. McBride emphasized the importance of capitalizing on this opportunity to enact policy changes that will help more people receive lifesaving transplants.
The proposed reforms highlight the ongoing challenges in the organ donation and transplantation field, including the need for more efficient processes and better utilization of available organs. By addressing these issues through legislative action, there is potential for significant improvements in organ availability and transplant outcomes, ultimately saving more lives.
As the organ donation and transplantation community awaits congressional response, the proposed reforms underscore the critical need for continuous improvement and innovation in this life-saving field. The potential impact of these changes could reshape the landscape of organ donation in the United States, offering hope to thousands of patients awaiting transplants.
