Site of the Week : UNOS Organ Center

The UNOS Organ Center places many organs and also helps members with running computer matches, arranging transport for organs, updating patient records and providing information about organ sharing policies. The Organ Center is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. If a catastrophe prevents use of the current facilities, operations can be switched in minutes to a fully equipped disaster recovery site.

Transplantation has saved and enhanced the lives of more than 300,000 people in the United States. It is the leading form of treatment for many forms of end-stage organ failure. With this success, however, has come increasing demand for donated organs.

Living donation (transplanting all or part of an organ from a living person) has increased dramatically in the last few years, helping increase the number of transplants performed. In addition, UNOS has enacted a number of policies to encourage more efficient use of available organs, such as "splitting" livers from deceased donors to allow two recipients to be transplanted.

The only long-term solution to the organ shortage, however, is for more people to agree to become organ donors. UNOS works closely with medical professionals to increase their understanding and support of the organ donation process.

In late 2001, the UNOS board of directors set a goal to reach 50 million people directly, encouraging them to become donors. UNOS also works closely with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and national organizations such as the Coalition on Donation to foster the public's knowledge and commitment regarding organ donation. UNOS staff will gladly address any questions you may have about organ donation and transplantation. Simply e-mail askunos@unos.org.

How you can help

You can help save and enhance lives by making the decision to become an organ donor. You can designate your donation decision on your driver's license or on a donor card you keep with you.

An increasing number of states have adopted legislation making it illegal for a family member to override an individual's documented decision to donate. Even so, it is important to share your decision with your loved ones. Sharing your decision will help them ensure they are carrying out your wishes. Many donor family members say they are greatly comforted in knowing that the generosity of their loved one has helped others to live longer and better lives.

There are many other ways you can help promote organ donation. The Workplace Partnership for Life, a campaign initiated by HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson and the transplant community, calls on corporations, businesses and organizations of all sizes to share information about organ donation with their employees and promote the opportunity to donate life.

Check it out HERE.