The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) is a non-profit organization that manages the nation's organ transplant system in the United States. Established in 1984, UNOS operates the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), which connects transplant hospitals, organ procurement organizations, and transplant recipients. Its primary goal is to ensure that organs are allocated fairly and efficiently to those in need. UNOS maintains a national database that tracks organ donations and transplants, helping to match donors with recipients based on medical criteria and urgency. The organization also provides education and resources to healthcare professionals and the public about organ donation and transplantation, promoting awareness and encouraging more people to become donors.