World Cord Blood Day 2021: Why choosing a FACT-accredited cord blood bank matters

World Cord Blood Day, organized by Save the Cord Foundation, raises public awareness and education about the current and future uses of cord blood stem cells. Cord blood therapies are no longer "science-fiction or just a hope". To date, there have been over 40,000 cord blood transplants worldwide, to treat over 80 life-threatening diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma and thalassemia. Moreover, cord blood is in clinical trials to treat spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, autism, and more. Yet, most of the general public is still not aware of the need to preserve this valuable natural resource. To mark World Cord Blood Day 2021 on November 15^th, Save the Cord Foundation will host a free online conference.

The Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) is an inspiring partner of World Cord Blood Day 2021. FACT invites you to view a four-episode series of videos on why choosing a FACT-accredited cord blood bank is important when donating or storing your child’s cord blood stem cells. If you have questions about FACT cord blood bank accreditation, please contact Nancy Schulte.

Each episode is presented on the FACT YouTube channel by a cord blood banking expert from a FACT-accredited program. Episode topics:

1. Episode 1: Linda Peltier PhD, Laboratory Manager at the McGill University Health Centre Stem Cell Transplant Program, outlines the benefits of choosing a FACT-accredited family or public cord blood bank.
   
2. Episode 2: Phillip Johnson MSc, Scientific Director of the Queensland Cord Blood Bank in Australia, discusses how FACT accreditation promotes safety and quality of cord blood units.
   
3. Episode 3: Guy Klamer PhD, Director of the Sydney Cord Blood Bank, presents on how FACT-accredited banks were prepared for the COVID-19 pandemic.
   
4. Episode 4: Thibaut Gervais MSc, Director of the Banque de Sang de Cordon Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc in Belgium, educates donors on the uses of cord blood.