What Every Patient Needs to Know - UMC

Introduction to the Transplant Network: The Big PictureSection 1Can a patient from another countryreceive a transplant in the United States?Yes. Patients can travel from other countries tothe U.S. to receive transplants. Once a transplantcenter lists them, non-resident aliens areconsidered based on the same factors as U.S.citizens. Non-resident aliens comprise roughly0.8% of the U.S. waiting list. They also comprise0.4% of deceased donors and 1.8% of living donorsin the U.S. based on the most recent availabledata. Transplantation of non-U.S. citizens is atthe discretion of each transplant center.How can I find out about organallocation policy changes that affectorgan transplantation and donation?Information on policy proposals can be found athttp://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov (click on PolicyManagement>Public Comment) and in variousUNOS publications. UNOS also maintains amailing list of patients, and members of thepublic who wish to receive policy proposalspublished for public comment. To request theseresources, contact UNOS at (888) 894-6361.What does UNOS do to increase thesupply of organs?Due to the shortage of organs, slightly morethan 50% of those on the waiting list receive atransplant within five years of listing. The OPTNhas 21committees with healthcare professionals,scientists, statisticians, patients, and the publicwho meet regularly to create policies to increasethe number of patients who are transplanted andreduce deaths on the waiting list. They come upwith creative ideas to use all viable organs fromdeceased donors, reduce geographic disparities,and encourage living donation.Heroism...isendurance forone momentmore.– George F. Kennan8