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11/18/2014 - New Kidney Allocation System RevealedFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE New Kidney Allocation System Revealed Glendale, Calif. – November 18, 2014 – At the end of 2014, the criteria used for kidney allocation is changing. This has many people on the waiting list for a kidney transplant concerned and Renal Support Network (RSN) has been listening intently to the discussions surrounding the changes. RSN’s founder Lori Hartwell, recipient of four kidneys herself, went to the source for answers and interviewed Dr. Richard Formica, OPTN/UNOS Kidney Transplantation Committee Chair. Waiting times for a deceased donor kidney vary throughout the Country and over 100,000 people are waiting for a kidney transplant. The system used to determine who receives a deceased donor kidney is coordinated by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). Dr. Formica explains why the system needed to be changed and how it will impact people waiting. When Lori asked about concerns regarding who will be receiving the “best” kidneys, Dr. Formica replied "the best donor, the best kidney, is the kidney you get and the kidney that works for you." RSN is a nonprofit, patient-focused, patient-run organization that provides nonmedical services to those affected by chronic kidney disease and strives to bring them hope. One way to motivate people and help them take control is to showcase guests who can share their coping tips and tricks, inspire others, and empower them to live well despite the limitations of chronic illness. The leading causes of kidney failure are high blood pressure and diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in six adults in the United States is at risk for kidney disease. Nearly 100,000 people are waiting for a kidney transplant, and over 600,000 people are on dialysis or have a kidney transplant. Catching kidney disease in its early stages can prevent or delay progression. A simple blood test will help determine the presence of the disease. You can find “New Kidney Allocation System Revealed,” along with a library of other shows, at www.RSNhope.org/kidneytalk-podcast/ and on iTunes.
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