Medical Breakthrough: Public Umbilical Cord Blood Center …

An Amazing Birth Day Gift

The day a baby is born can be the beginning of a second chance at life for someone else! Until now, umbilical cord blood that can save lives was thrown away after births across our state. Without a local, public umbilical cord blood center, Oklahoma mothers had no option to donate it without incurring considerable personal expense. But, through Oklahoma Blood Institutes innovative leadership, our state now holds the distinction of having one of only 25 cord blood centers worldwide.

Initially, this is offered at OU Medical Center. Soon, it will be offered at other hospitals in the state. Cord blood donation is free to the parents. The donation process is simple and painless. After delivery and separation of the cord from the baby, the mothers physician or nurse will collect blood from the umbilical cord. Donation doesnt change the delivery process. It is only performed in an uncomplicated delivery with a healthy mother and baby. Families celebrating a joyous event in their own lives can bring the same to those battling leukemia and other blood disorders.

Thousands of people need stem cell transplants, but matches dont exist. Hope is slim particularly for minority populations most prevalent in Oklahoma who are poorly represented within national registries. Oklahoma Blood Institute is well positioned to make sure diverse needs are better met:

OBI is completing rigorous FDA licensure requirements for its cord blood facility. The entire collection, processing, testing and distribution process is managed from Oklahoma Blood Institutes main campus in Oklahoma City.

Stem cells from cord blood donated with OBIs public bank will be made available to anyone even nationally or internationally who is identified as a match through NMDP. Healthy stem cells are transfused to replace patients stem cells. These stem cells regenerate blood cells for patients with damaged or defective bone marrow or immune systems. They rebuild a patients marrow cells that form the bodys blood and immunology functions. With cells from umbilical cord blood of those with Oklahoma heritage, more in our state will have the matches and hope they need to live healthy and long lives.

Even more fascinating is the role of umbilical cord blood in future healthcare advances. As more treatment successes are found, these stem cells are expected to revolutionize care for other life-threatening diseases. Scientists are currently pioneering use of stem cells to replenish or reprogram dying or damaged cells that are contributing to life-threatening illnesses. They are exploring the potential for healing diabetes, heart disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, graft versus host disease and central nervous system disorders, such as Parkinsons.

OBIs Cord Blood Center exists thanks to generous contributions from several Oklahoma foundations and scores of individuals, compelled to enhance the states health care quality. Ongoing and additional support from benefactors is needed to continue this incredible resource for restoration of life.

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Medical Breakthrough: Public Umbilical Cord Blood Center ...