Take Action

Below are a list of public policy officials and organizations who have influence over living-donor related policies and laws.

Remember: always be polite, professional, and use facts and references to back up your message.

 

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State Lawmakers.

Many transplant related issues, such as ratification of the latest version of UAGA, are dealt with on the state level. Many insurance issues can be resolved via state laws as well.

Find state officials

 

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Federal Lawmakers:

Find Your State Representative

House Leaders, including Speaker of the House, Office of the Majority Leader, Office of the Republican Leader, and House Majority Whip.

House Committee on Science and Technology, specifically the Subcommittee on Research and Science Education, responsible for "research and development relating to health, biomedical, and nutritional programs" (e.g. stem cell research which could be used to grow donor organs)

 

 

Senate -

Find your Senator (search in upper right corner of page)

Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, whose jurisdiction includes "Science, engineering, and technology research and development and policy." Includes stem cell research and the health insurance industry.

Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, specifically Health Policy, which oversees the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and public health and health insurance statutes.

 

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Public Policy Departments and Organizations.

(see Public Policy Organization page for detailed descriptions of each institution)

 

Secretary of Health Kathleen Sebelius.

Office of the Secretary number - 202-690-7000

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), parent department of HRSA, OPTN, etc.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201
Telephone: 202-619-0257
Toll Free: 1-877-696-6775

 

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA):

HRSA, Dept of Transplantation:
Richard  Durbin,  MBA
Director
Division of Transplantation
Parklawn Building, Room 12-C-06
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
 (301) 443-6804
 (301) 443-1267
 rdurbin@hrsa.gov

Christopher  McLaughlin
Chief, Operations and Analysis Branch
DHHS, HRSA, Division of Transplantation
Room 12C-06
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
 (301) 443-0036
 (301) 594-6095
 cmclaughlin@hrsa.gov

 

Advisory Committee on Organ Transplantation (ACOT), established by DHHS as an neutral voice for issues and policies of organ transplantation. Attend and testify at twice a year meetings, or Contact specific members.

 

Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). Provide feedback regarding proposed policy changes, or sign-up to receive public comment notices.

Also, join a committee, attend committee event, or contact a committee member.

 

Minority Affairs: http://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/members/committeesDetail.asp?ID=19

Living Donor: http://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/members/committeesDetail.asp?ID=59

Ethics: http://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/members/committeesDetail.asp?ID=3

Board: http://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/members/boardOfDirectors.asp

 

Find your OPTN region, and contact the Councillor and Administrator (found on Board or Directors page)

 

United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). OPTN's private contractor to administer the national organ transplant waiting list. Contact Key Staff.

If you've done your research and are highly committed, consider this very selective email list-serv.

 

 

Last updated: November 9, 2011