In Canada, there are currently over 1000 people waiting for a stem cell match. This is why Canadian Blood Services is urging Canadians to add their name to the Stem Cell registry, as it increases those individuals chance of finding a match.
Aaron Barlow, Community Development Manager for Canadian Blood Services Saskatchewan, explains they're looking for people ages 17 to 35 to join the registry, especially those with diverse ethnic backgrounds.
“Right now the registry doesn't really reflect how diverse Canada is. You have a higher likelihood of being matched by somebody who shares a similar ancestrally diverse background as your own.”
Those on the registry are automatically removed after turning 60. However, unlike the donation of other blood products, stem cells are only collected once a match is confirmed.
“You may never get a call, but I have been fortunate enough to have people share their stories of not only being recipients, but also donors who have donated their stem cells and saved somebody's life. It's an incredible, incredible journey and one that is deeply personal to all those involved.”
Anyone between the ages of 17 and 35 can find more information and order a kit on Blood.ca.
Alongside the push to diversify the stem cell registry, Canadian Blood Services is also looking to secure plasma supply. Barlow explains that plasma is an important blood product, vital to many Canadian healthcare patients.
“Plasma, similar to blood, is used in a variety of treatments for illnesses and diseases. It is vitally important in Canada's health system to ensure that we are providing blood, and blood products, including plasma where and when needed. Right now, Canadian Blood Services is focusing on securing plasma right here in Canada to ensure patients' needs are being met.”
This is being done through adding plasma donation centres or PDC’s to their existing centres and adding capacity to other centres to accommodate plasma donations.