Essentia Health hosting bone marrow drive to support lifesaving transplants

According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, each year about 18,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness in which a bone marrow transplant is their best treatment option. Only about 30% of those have a family member who is a match. That’s why Essentia Health is proud to announce a bone marrow drive to help connect potential donors with patients in need of lifesaving transplants.

The drive will happen from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, in the atrium of Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center, located at 402 E. Second St.

Community members are invited to join the national registry for bone marrow donation. Getting on the registry takes only a simple cheek swab. Then, doctors search the registry for patients who may be a match; about one in 430 people on the registry go on to donate. Stop by the bone marrow drive booth to learn more.

The drive aims to increase the number of registered bone marrow donors, offering hope to individuals battling leukemia, lymphoma and other blood disorders. Donors must be between 18 and 40 years old and in good health.

Participants will receive information about the donation process and the impact of their contribution. No appointment is necessary, and the registration process takes just a few minutes.