Make Your Voice Heard!

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Make Your Voice Heard!

Did you know that you can be part of the development of policies for
organ donation and transplantation? The OPTN/UNOS (Organ Procurement and
Transplantation Network/ United Network for Organ Sharing) provide a way
for you to share your opinions and experiences to influence
transplantation policy. The OPTN/UNOS are responsible for collecting
transplant data, facilitating organ matching and placement, and
developing transplant policy in the United States.
 
The OPTN/UNOS develops policies on a broad range of issues affecting
donation and transplantation. The policy process starts when an issue is
explored by a committee. This issue can cover almost any topic and can
be broad in scope or very specific. Before this process moves forward,
you have an opportunity to weigh in and express your opinions and ideas
on the given issue. This is known as the public comment period--
allowing the public to express their views and concerns.
 
For more information on the UNOS/OPTN policy development process, visit
 www.unos.org/SharedContentDocuments/Matter_of_Policy_12_07.pdf and
www.optn.org/policiesAndBylaws/publicComment.
You can also sign up to receive public comment notices by email:
www.optn.org/policiesAndBylaws/publicComment/mailingList.asp
 
The policy process can be intimidating. But the National Kidney
Foundation can help you navigate this process and understand how
important legislation affects you directly. The NKF’s “People Like
Us” is a growing movement of individuals with chronic kidney disease,
transplant recipients, living donors, donor families, family members and
others who are taking action on issues affecting donation and
transplantation. “People Like Us” works to help constituents learn
about and take action on important legislative and other issues
affecting people with chronic kidney disease, organ donation and
transplantation.
 
To join the NKF's "People Like Us", visit www.nkfpeoplelikeus.org or
call toll-free 1-800-622-9010.