October 31, 2024
The Honorable Rob Wittman
U.S. House of Representatives
2055 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Jennifer McClellan
U.S. House of Representatives
2417 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Mariannette Miller-Meeks
U.S. House of Representatives
1034 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Jim Costa
U.S. House of Representatives
2081 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Dear U.S. Representatives Wittman, McClellan, Miller-Meeks, and Costa:
Thank you for your leadership in organ donation and transplant by introducing the Organ Donation Referral Improvement Act (H.R. 9939). This legislation contributes to our shared goal of strengthening the nation’s organ donation and transplant system.
Automated electronic deceased organ donor referral systems could significantly improve the way potential organ donors are identified in the United States. Using technology for this function has not been studied nationally, but one study found a 333% increase in organ donors after implementing one such referral system(i). Your legislation to conduct a comprehensive national study outlining best practices for the use of such technology is essential to better understand the technology and support its widespread implementation.
If enacted into law, the Organ Donation Referral Improvement Act will help increase the amount of potential organ donors and thereby reduce the number of Americans waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant.
The undersigned organizations commend you for your leadership with the Organ Donation Referral Improvement Act and look forward to working with you and Congress to advance the legislation.
Sincerely,
American Association of Kidney Patients
American Foundation for Donation & Transplantation
American Kidney Fund
American Liver Foundation
American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics
American Society of Nephrology
American Society of Transplant Surgeons
American Society of Transplantation
Association for Multicultural Affairs in Transplantation
Association of Organ Procurement Organization
Infinite Legacy
Kidney Care Partners
Kidney Transplant Collaborative
National Kidney Foundation
NJ Sharing Network
North American Transplant Coordinators Organization
Renal Physicians Association
Transplant Families
Transplant Recipients International Organization
United Network for Organ Sharing
Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association
Waitlist Zero
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i Niles, P., Hewlett, J., Piano, J., & Liu, W. (2020). Automated electronic referrals are changing donation. Transplantation, 104(S3). https://doi.org/10.1097/01.tp.0000699788.52410.58
