The MDA Israel Cord Blood Bank collects donated umbilical cord blood following the birth of healthy children, and then removes, tests and types the stem cells. Stem cells have the unique ability to develop into any of the body's tissue types. Stem cells are currently being used primarily to treat cancers and blood disorders, however, the possibilities for their usage are seemingly endless.

Israel Cord Blood Bank National Effort on Stem Cell Transplants and Research

The Israel Cord Blood Bank (ICBB) is a project of Magen David Adom (MDA) in collaboration with the principal hospitals of Israel. For the first time, the MDA ICBB allows the MDA National Blood Services Center to launch a national effort on stem cell transplants and research.

Existing worldwide bone-marrow and stem cell registries cannot adequately serve the needs of many Jews, including the various Sefardi, Ethiopian and even many Ashkenazi communities. Bedouins, Druze and Israeli Arabs have virtually no representation in any Cord Blood Bank other than in Israel.

For information on the MDA Israel Cord Blood Bank and how you can support this new project, contact info@afmda.org or call 1.866.632.2763.