|
|
|
Once considered medical waste, umbilical cordblood today is recognized as a rich source of stem cells, the “parent” cells of all other blood cells. The blood from one donated umbilical cord may provide enough stem cells for transplant to a child with a life-threatening disease. Two cords may provide enough stem cells for an adult transplant. Cord blood donated through Michigan Community Blood Centers nonprofit Cord Blood Bank is listed on international databases to help patients anywhere in the world.
Current Perspectives
Cord blood banking has received a lot of attention from the medical community, legislators, and the media. For an update on current perspectives, and links to related information, click here.
In special shipping containers like the one pictured here, the Cord Blood Bank sends the gift of life to transplant centers around the world. The Cord Blood Bank was the first in Michigan and remains one of only a few nonprofit facilities of its kind in the nation. Photo: Dan Watts Photography
Donating is Safe, Easy, Free, Anonymous
- Does not interfere with birthing
- After uncomplicated delivery, doctor collects blood and sends to Cord Blood Bank
- No risk, no pain for mom or baby
- No charge to donate
- Donors’ names are not revealed
Where to Donate
- At hospitals in cities within our service regions and in areas that provide fundraising support: Bay City, Clare, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Holland, Midland, Muskegon, Niles, Saginaw, St. Joseph, Traverse City, Zeeland.
To Donate Cord Blood
- Call the Cord Blood Bank at 1-866-MIBLOOD (choose Option #2) or 616-233-8604 and complete preliminary screening over the phone -- OR download screening form, print out and complete, then submit by mail.
- Within 12 weeks of due date, donation kit arrives by mail
- Mail back donation paperwork (comes with kit)
- Cord Blood Bank mails instructions to doctor
- Bring collection kit to hospital when delivery time arrives
Financial Support
© Michigan Community Blood Centers
|
|
|
