United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS)

The nationwide umbrella for transplantation organ sharing in the U.S.

United Network for Organ Sharing states that it is “a private, not-for-profit, membership corporation qualified as a charitable organization under section 501 (c)(3) of the IRC.” United Network for Organ Sharing administers the national Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) and the U.S. Scientific Registry on Organ Transplantation under contracts with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The U.S. Scientific Registry is the most complete medical database in the world, tracking all solid organ transplants since October 1, 1987.

“Through theUnited Network for Organ Sharing Organ Center, organ donors are matched to waiting recipients 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Through its policies, United Network for Organ Sharing ensures that all patients have a fair chance at receiving the organ they need – regardless of age, sex, race, lifestyle, religion, financial or social status. United Network for Organ Sharing members include every transplant program, organ procurement organization and tissue typing laboratory in the United States. Policies governing the transplant community are developed by the United Network for Organ Sharing membership through a series of regional meetings, deliberations at the national committee level and final approval by a 40 member board of directors, comprised of medical professionals, transplant recipients and donor family members.”