July is Cord Blood Awareness Month
This month, we are reminded of the significance of cord blood and its life-saving potential. Cord Blood Awareness Month serves as a vital reminder of the potential for medical advancements and treatments contained within the umbilical cord. Today, cord blood is used worldwide to treat a variety of maladies, making it a natural marvel that can only be obtained through the miracle of birth. This month, save lives by doing everything possible to raise awareness about cord blood.
As a leading supplier of wireless vital sign monitors for hospitals, we recognize the significance of cord blood and its impact on healthcare. In this blog post, we aim to shed light on the value of cord blood and its immense benefits.
History of Cord Blood Awareness Month
Did you know there are approximately four million births in the United States annually? With so many newborns, hospitals must have a substantial quantity of cord blood stored, right? Unfortunately, while birth statistics may be high, only 5–10% of umbilical blood is collected. When not used, it is discarded as medical refuse. This is primarily due to a dearth of knowledge about cord blood procedures and the benefits they can provide to humanity. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion has designated July as Cord Blood Awareness Month as a result.
Though the umbilical cord blood stem cells were discovered in 1978, the first transplant did not happen until 1988. From there, the medical history as we know it completely evolved. Doctors became more aware of the uses of cord blood and began to research the diseases it can cure, which include leukemia, blood diseases, Alzheimer’s, as well as immune disorders. It was also discovered that cord blood was more effective than a bone marrow transplant — therefore it’s not a surprise that more and more people are opting for cord blood transplants every year.
As clinical trials continue to find out more benefits of cord blood and the diseases it can help heal, the popularity of the transplant continues to surge. In fact, athletes such as Rafael Nadal and football legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham have opted for umbilical cord stem cells to treat sports injuries.
What is Cord Blood?
Cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta after childbirth. This unique blood contains valuable stem cells that are rich in hematopoietic and immune cells. These cells have the remarkable ability to regenerate and differentiate into various types of blood cells, offering potential treatment options for a range of diseases and conditions.
Cord Blood's Lifesaving Potential
Cord blood stem cells have been utilized in the treatment of numerous life-threatening diseases, including certain types of cancers, blood disorders, immune system deficiencies, and genetic disorders. These stem cells can be transplanted to replace damaged or diseased cells, providing new hope to patients and their families. Additionally, cord blood stem cells are more readily available and have a lower risk of rejection compared to other sources.
Advancing Medical Research
Cord blood also plays a crucial role in medical research. Scientists and researchers study cord blood stem cells to understand their potential applications better and develop innovative therapies. Ongoing research aims to unlock new treatments for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, spinal cord injuries, diabetes, and heart disease. By supporting cord blood banking and research, we contribute to the advancement of medical science and the development of life-saving treatments.
The Importance of Cord Blood Banking
Cord blood banking allows families to store their newborn's cord blood for potential future use. Private cord blood banking provides families with the option to preserve their child's cord blood solely for their own use. Public cord blood banking, on the other hand, allows donated cord blood to be available for anyone in need of a transplant. Educating expectant parents about these options is crucial to ensure informed decisions and promote the widespread availability of cord blood.
Partnering for Progress
As a wireless vital sign monitor supplier for hospitals, we understand the critical role that healthcare providers play in promoting cord blood awareness. By partnering with hospitals, we aim to support their efforts in educating expecting parents about cord blood banking options and the potential benefits for their families and others in need. Together, we can ensure that the life-saving potential of cord blood is realized and more lives are positively impacted.
Observing Cord Blood Awareness Month
Observing Cord Blood Awareness Month is a meaningful way to contribute to the promotion and understanding of cord blood and its potential benefits. Here are some suggestions on how to participate and raise awareness during this important month.
Spread the Word
Utilize your social media platforms, website, or blog to share educational content about cord blood and its life-saving potential. Share facts, success stories, and information on cord blood banking options. Encourage your followers to share the information with their networks, amplifying the reach of the message.
Collaborate with Healthcare Providers
Partner with local hospitals, clinics, and healthcare professionals to organize educational events or webinars focused on cord blood awareness. These events can include presentations by experts, Q&A sessions, or even virtual tours of cord blood banking facilities. Collaborate with healthcare providers to distribute informational brochures or pamphlets in waiting areas or maternity wards.
Engage with Expectant Parents
Connect with expectant parents by hosting informational sessions at community centers, maternity stores, or parenting support groups. Provide them with resources that explain the importance of cord blood banking and the options available. Offer discounts or incentives for cord blood banking services during the awareness month to encourage participation.
Collaborate with Nonprofit Organizations
Partner with local or national nonprofit organizations that focus on cord blood research and advocacy. Support their initiatives by making donations, participating in their events, or promoting their activities through your channels. By joining forces, you can collectively raise awareness and make a greater impact.
Share Success Stories
Highlight inspiring stories of individuals who have benefited from cord blood transplants. Feature testimonials, interviews, or articles that showcase the real-life impact of cord blood on patients and their families. Personal stories have a powerful effect in raising awareness and generating support for cord blood banking.
Support Research Efforts
Consider making donations to cord blood research organizations or institutions working on advancing cord blood therapies. Funding research plays a vital role in uncovering new treatments and expanding the possibilities of cord blood stem cells.
Connect with Cord Blood Banks
Reach out to local cord blood banks to learn about their initiatives during Cord Blood Awareness Month. They may organize specific events or have educational materials available for distribution. Collaborate with them to share information and support their efforts.
Advocate for Legislation
Get involved in advocacy efforts related to cord blood banking and research. Support legislative initiatives that aim to improve access to cord blood banking, increase funding for research, or establish guidelines for safe and ethical practices. Write letters to local representatives or engage in public campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of supporting cord blood initiatives.
By participating in these activities, you can actively contribute to Cord Blood Awareness Month and help educate others about the life-saving potential of cord blood. Your efforts can make a difference in promoting cord blood banking and research, ultimately benefiting patients in need of life-saving treatments.
As July unfolds, let us take a moment to recognize Cord Blood Awareness Month and the significance it holds for the future of healthcare. By spreading awareness about the life-saving potential of cord blood and supporting cord blood banking initiatives, we contribute to a world where more diseases can be conquered, more lives can be saved, and hope can be instilled. Together, we can make a difference and pave the way for a healthier future.
Sotera Digital Health is proud to support Cord Blood Awareness Month and continue our commitment to advancing healthcare through innovative solutions and partnerships with healthcare providers. Join us in raising awareness and spreading the word about the incredible power of cord blood. Together, we can make a lasting impact.