Cell Notes: Cord Blood Awareness: Opening Doors to Understanding

Stephen Hawking once said, “The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge.” His words underscore the importance of true understanding. Knowledge often begins with awareness, acting as the key that unlocks doors to deeper insights. But which doors do we aim to open, and when?

Cord blood? Ideally, cord blood awareness should extend throughout the year. However, there is a designated time—Cord Blood Awareness Month, celebrated every year in July—when we intensify our efforts. During this month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Health Information Center encourages us to spotlight cord blood's potential. By dispelling illusions and fostering genuine awareness, we empower expectant parents, health care professionals and the wider community to recognize the life-saving properties and potential of cord blood.

Cord blood contains hematopoietic stem cells capable of regenerating and repairing damaged tissues. These cells play a crucial role in stem cell transplants, treating conditions like leukemia, lymphoma and other blood disorders. Additionally, cord blood and perinatal tissue has potential applications beyond transplant in regenerative medicine, including wound healing and the treatment of various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

When considering the value cord blood has provided and its further potential, let's not forget the unsung heroes—the volunteers, experts and practitioners—who champion cord blood awareness. Many of them are members of AABB. Through their efforts, AABB celebrated this month via social media and other postings to raise awareness about cord blood banking, emphasizing collection, processing and storage. Experts discussed the differences between public and private cord blood banking, highlighting the value of accreditation. Inspiring patient stories underscored the impact of cord blood transplants.

We extend our gratitude to the AABB’s Cord Blood Subsection leadership team, including Asa Bapat, MD, CABP(H); Matthew Wilgo, CABP(H); Dawn Thut, RAPS, CABP; and Vasiliki Kalodimou, PhD, CABP(H), for participating in our cord blood awareness activities. Their clinical, quality and practical expertise ripple through AABB’s network, touching lives.

For those interested in participating, consider joining AABB's Cord Blood Subsection, a benefit of AABB membership . Professionals discuss donor issues, manufacturing challenges, licensure and more. Let's continue spreading awareness together! And remember, beyond AABB, other organizations like The Parent’s Guide to Cord Blood, Cord Blood Association and Save The Cord Foundation also provide valuable information on cord blood.

Together, we open doors to understanding, hope and healing.