Bone Marrow Donors Needed (health)

Indian Health Service Partners with the NMDP

National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) welcomes the partnership of the Indian Health Service (IHS), the Federal Health Program for American Indian and Alaska Natives.

Increased awareness of the need for more donors and adding more donors to the Registry, coupled with NMDP's support services, moves us closer toward the ultimate goal of giving more American Indian and Alaska Natives a second chance at life.

Through this joint effort, the IHS and the NMDP are encouraging more American Indian and Alaska Natives to:

"I'd like to thank the National Marrow Donor Program for initially speaking to me about IHS's help in this worthy effort," said Charles W. Grim, D.D.S., M.H.S.A., Assistant Surgeon General, Indian Health Service. "The creative talents of both organizations represent the best of what can occur when we work in partnership with those pursuing the same goals - improving the health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Specifically, I want to recognize Evonne Bennett, Dave Morgan and others on the marrow donor collection team for helping us provide a donor opportunity literally right here on our own doorstep."

What Is a Marrow or Blood Cell Transplant?

A marrow transplant is a life-saving treatment option for many patients with blood, immune system or genetic disorders. A transplant requires matching tissue types between patient and donor.

Why Are More American Indian and Alaska Natives Needed as Donors?

The diseases that may be treated with a marrow or blood cell transplant affect people from all racial and ethnic backgrounds. However, American Indian and Alaska Native patients face a greater challenge in finding a donor.

Because tissue types are inherited in the same way as hair or eye color, a patient's best chance of finding a match is with a brother or sister. Only 30 percent of patients have a suitably matched donor in their family. The next best chance of finding a match is between people who share the same racial and ethnic background.

Working Together to Help More Patients

The NMDP and its partner, The Marrow Foundation®, help people who need a life-saving marrow or blood cell transplant. They connect patients, doctors, donors and researchers to resources that help people live longer, healthier lives. Central to their work is the ability to:
  • Search the world's largest, most diverse donor and cord blood Registry
  • Support patients through every step of the transplant process
  • Apply scientific expertise to the match process