2010 Legislative Preview from NMDP CEO, Dr. Chell
Each New Year brings with it a sense of hope and promise for the future. As the National Marrow Donor Program looks forward to the new year, we are excited to have your support in helping all patients receive the marrow or cord blood transplant they need, when they need it.
In 2010, securing Congressional support for our efforts to recruit donors and cord blood units on the Registry will be critical to achieving our mission. The Stem Cell Research and Therapeutics Act passed by Congress in 2005 is up for renewal this year. The Act mandates:
Dr. Jeffrey Chell, CEO
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Recruitment of marrow donors and high quality cord blood units, especially those of racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds.
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Educational information for patients, the public, and medical professionals to help patients throughout the transplant process.
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Outcomes data for transplants using umbilical cord blood units are collected and provided for research.
We will need your support to pass this law and ensure that it is adequately funded.
Every e-mail, phone call, and face-to-face meeting with your legislators will help us fulfill our life-saving mission. In the states, we will also support laws that encourage cord blood and marrow donation.
Thank you again for your commitment to the NMDP’s Advocacy Action Network. Please continue to visit the Advocacy Action Center to stay up-to-date on the issues. Watch for our “action alerts” to contact your elected officials and tell your friends to become advocates. We hope we can count you to remain a strong advocate for the National Marrow Donor Program.
Best wishes to all of you in the New Year!
Dr. Jeffrey Chell, CEO
National Marrow Donor program