July is Cord Blood Awareness Month

Throughout July, cord blood banks across the world are taking part in Cord Blood Awareness Month, spreading the good word about cord blood banking to expecting parents. In the United States, there are 4 million births per year, but approximately only 2 - 5% of parents bank their newborns umbilical cord blood. The goal for cord blood banks across North America is to expand the percentage of parents taking part in cord blood banking.

As part of Cord Blood Awareness Month, cord blood banks will be encouraging the public to learn more about cord blood banking. Through social media campaigns and open houses, expected parents and anyone else who is interested in cord blood banking to find out everything they need to know about the technology.

According to the Journal of Reproductive Medicine, 75% of pregnant women are only 'minimally informed' about cord blood banking. This statistic is part of the reason that the number of banked cord blood units is so low. Many patients with blood diseases across the nation are still searching for cord blood stem cell donors, an issue that could be solved if more parents are made aware of the benefits of cord blood banking and donation.

While cord blood is primarily used to treat blood diseases, researchers are discovering ways to expand its usage. In the future, patients with diabetes, brain injuries and degenerative diseases may also benefit from cord blood banking.