Open Letter to HRSA Demanding Equal Time to Protest Draft Concepts for Liver All

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http://resources.ketchum.com/helpdesk/docs/YoderHousecoaltionletterHRSAUNOSliverproposal.pdf

Open Letter to HRSA Demanding Equal Time to Protest Draft Concepts Geographic Equity in Deceased Donor Liver Allocation at September 16 meeting in Chicago.

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http://www.kckansan.com/2014/09/doctors-react-to-unos-hearings-on-liver.html

Doctors react to UNOS Hearings on liver re-allocation

Hundreds of concerned members of the transplant community from across the nation packed the room at a Chicago hotel today while many more listened via a live streamed webinar during a passionate day-long public forum about liver re-allocation.

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http://www.hanys.org/news/index.cfm?storyid=3770

HANYS-Supported Letter Calls for Change in Liver Transplant Allocation System

Representatives Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Devin Nunes (R-CA) are circulating a letter in support of a concept paper recently released by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) that would change the nation's system for liver transplant allocation.  The letter urges the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network and the Health Resources and Services Administration to adopt and implement recommendations put forth by UNOS to help reduce geographic disparities that disadvantage patients in New York.  Health Alliance New York State (HANYS) is asking members of the New York State Congressional Delegation to sign the letter, and appreciates the leadership of those who have already done so.
Earlier this year on Capitol Hill, HANYS' members from transplant centers throughout New York briefed congressional staff about the need to correct significant flaws in liver allocation policy.  Under the current system, the country is divided into regions in which transplants can take place.  As a result, patients in some states are often significantly sicker than patients in other states who can receive livers more readily, given these artificial boundaries.  The policies proposed in the UNOS concept paper would create a more equitable system for organ distribution that would prioritize patients most in need, thereby saving lives.
HANYS is collaborating with Delegation members and organizations from New York and other states, including Greater New York Hospital Association and California Hospital Association, to advance this effort. Contact: Elyse Oveson