NHS BLOOD and Transplant is urging people in the West Midlands to join its stem cell donor registry.
Stem cell awareness day is on October 9, as part of the campaign the NHS revealed it now needs 260 people to sign up every month.
Data showed that importing stem cells from abroad costs the NHS 50 to 100 per cent more than collecting from UK donors.
The criteria to join has changed, allowing all women aged 17-40 years old to sign up.
Transplants are used to treat a number of diseases, including some forms of leukaemia.
Patients of Asian and Black heritage, or from other mixed ethnicities are underrepresented on the register and are less likely to find a life-saving match.
Guy Parkes, head of stem cell donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We’ve launched this ambitious new campaign target, asking 3,000 West Midlands residents to join our stem cell register this year, to help find a match for the increasing number of people needing stem cell transplants and to reduce the country’s reliance on seeking donors from abroad, which can be expensive for the NHS.
“There is always a need for more stem cell donors and so we’re thrilled to now be able to welcome all women aged 17 – 40 to the NHS Stem Cell Donor Registry, too.
“Growing research has shown that donor age is an important factor when it comes to transplants, so we’re urging everybody under 40, male or female, to think about signing up.
“Registering to be a potential stem cell donor through NHS Blood and Transplant is really easy– once you’re signed up, there’s nothing to do, until you are found as a match and then donation is safe and easy.
“We would urge all eligible blood donors to say yes to stem cell donation and ask about signing up to the register at their next appointment – your stem cells could help to save a life.”
