Stem cell donors being sought at Barrie’s Georgian College

Scientists at the Hema-Quebec Public Cord Blood Bank collect, freeze and store umbilical cord blood for up to ten years in hopes that the valuable stem cells inside the blood can match with donors and help save lives.

Canadian Blood Services is once again sounding the alarm, but this time it’s not for sleeves to be rolled up.

The organization is putting out a call for people to register to be stem cell registrants, in particular youth. Staff with Canadian Blood Services will be visiting Georgian College during the first week of February as part of the national Swab at School Campaign.

Youth between the ages of 17 and 35 are being targeted through the campaign, as they are the best possible lifesaving stem cell donors.

According to Canadian Blood Services, 2000 more students than expected registered as stem cell donors in 2024 as a result of the campaign.

The organization says that stem cell transplants can treat over 80 diseases and disorders.

Those interested can visit Georgian College’s Barrie Campus’ library on Wed. Feb. 5 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.