National Kidney Foundation (NKF) statement

A January press release from the NKF :

NKF Statement: A Path Forward for Increasing Kidney Transplantation

"Nearly 680,000 Americans have irreversible kidney failure, or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and need dialysis or a kidney transplant. More than 475,000 ESRD patients receive dialysis at least three times per week to replace kidney function.  Nearly 100,000 Americans are on the waitlist for a kidney transplant right now.  Depending on where a patient lives, the average wait time for a kidney transplant can be upwards of three to seven years.  

The National Kidney Foundation is calling on Congress and the Administration to make organ transplantation a top priority and has identified several critical areas to be addressed from a legislative and regulatory standpoint. These priorities will create a strategic and effective path forward towards increasing the number of kidney transplants and decreasing the number of patients who die waiting.

1. Living Donation

a. Expand financial assistance offered to living organ donors to cover all expenses related to organ donation including lost wages; travel expenses including transportation, lodging and food; child care or dependent care expenses incurred during the donor’s recovery; living donor medical care and follow-up care for donation; paperwork or legal costs related to the donation; and other expenses related to the donation.

..."

More at the link...

HT: Frank McCormick