Jackson Hospital | Partners | Fall 2020

jackson.org 13 When mothers give birth at Jackson Hospital, they are welcoming a new bundle of joy into the world. Did you know that your cord blood can help create joy for another family? Jackson Hospital partners with LifeCord to collect cord blood that can help save lives all over the world! Cord blood is the blood remaining in the umbilical cord and placenta after birth. This cord blood contains stem cells, which can be preserved for medical therapies such as stem cell transplants. Stem cells found in cord blood are quite different from those found in fertilized eggs or those from children and adults. Cord blood stem cells can actually change into blood or immune system cells. Is it really safe? Every mother is given the option to donate her cord blood after birth. The donation is free of charge and does not cause any harm or pain to the mother or baby. Cord blood is collected after the umbilical cord has been cut, and the blood is then shipped to a laboratory where it is processed and cryogenically frozen. Mothers who wish to donate their cord blood will need to undergo a health history screening and risk behavior assess- ment. The cord blood is also tested for infectious disease mark- ers such as HIV and syphilis. When the cord blood reaches the laboratory, it is tested for certain criteria. If it does not meet the criteria, it will be shipped to research partners for testing to help save more lives in the future. If the cord blood meets criteria, it is cryogenically frozen using liquid nitrogen and can be viable for use for decades after birth. How does it help? Cord blood stem cells are used to treat many different diseases, including cancer, blood disorders, genetic diseases and metabolic diseases. Cord blood is also used in stem cell transplants as a substitution for bone marrow when patients are unable to find suitable donors. Science has shown that cord blood matches may not have to be as close a match as in bone marrow trans- plants, providing better outcomes for sick patients. These stem cells continue to be studied for a variety of other medical condi- tions, such as cerebral palsy, brain and spine injuries, autism, and type 1 diabetes. GIVING BACK birth Saving future lives at Cord blood donation is a free and simple way to help create joy for another family Cord blood is a free and simple way to spread the joy of your baby to help save the life of another. Speak with your physician regarding cord blood donation and ensure they are aware of your intent to donate. The Family Birth Center at Jackson Hospital is a proud partner with LifeCord to easily provide new mothers with this excep- tional way to give back! Be a hero! For more information on cord blood donation, visit lifesouthcord.org .