Stem Cell Awareness Day 2016

Today is Stem Cell Awareness Day! Each year on the second Wednesday of October, organizations and individuals around the world work together to ensure that we all realize the benefits of one of the most promising fields of science in our time. We also aim to promote a greater understanding of stem cell research, and the and the range of potential applications for disease and injury.

Encouraging Discussion

For the millions of people around who are either directly or indirectly affected by an incurable diseases and injury, Stem Cell Awareness Day is not only a time to celebrate the scientific and medical advances made so far with stem cells, but it is also a time to push for greater awareness through discussion with our peers.

In addition to encouraging discussion about umbilical cord blood stem cells, we hope this annual event will also help further educate the medical community. Healthcare providers are not currently required to educate parents on the opportunity to bank cord blood, despite the benefits.  According to research completed by US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, “patients are not well informed, especially ethnic minorities, younger patients and those with lesser degrees of education.” This leaves us with a great opportunity to educate and promote awareness about stem cell treatment.

Taking Action  

To help increase understanding of the benefits of stem cells in medicine, scientists, doctors and educators host public lectures, laboratory tours and other events in their communities.  Additionally, today many high school students will learn about the career pathways available in the field of stem cell science.

We also encourage you to continue the discussion! Post on social media using the hashtag #stemcellawarenessday and tell us and the rest of the world why you have banked, or are considering banking, your baby’s cord blood.

As always, stay up to date on cord blood banking and stem cell news by connecting with us on social media!