Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids and Mid-State Technical College Nursing Students Host Donor Registry Drive

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. - Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital is partnering with nursing students from Mid-State Technical College to host a National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) Registry Drive on Tuesday, September 22.

The event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the cafeteria at Mid-State Technical College, 500 32nd St. N., Wisconsin Rapids. Community members who meet eligibility requirements can join the NMDP Registry through a simple cheek swab.

The registry helps connect patients with blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, as well as other serious diseases, to potential blood stem cell donors. According to NMDP, every three to four minutes someone in the United States is diagnosed with a blood cancer, and approximately 75% of patients who need a blood stem cell transplant do not have a fully matched donor within their family.

"Partnering with MSTC nursing students for this registry drive provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the need for blood stem cell donors and give community members a simple way to join the registry," said Kelly Jaminski, Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Nursing Manager.

Individuals may be eligible to join the registry if they are between the ages of 18 and 35, are a U.S. resident, and meet NMDP medical guidelines. There is no cost to join the registry or donate. Those who join agree to be considered as potential donors for any patient in need.

If matched with a patient, donors may be asked to donate blood stem cells through either a peripheral blood stem cell donation or a marrow donation, depending on the patient's needs.

Community members interested in joining the registry or learning more are encouraged to attend the event. Additional information is available by contacting Linda Alexander at 503-459-5904.