The first step toward saving a life takes about 15 minutes or less, if you are interested in becoming a registered bone marrow donor.
A bone marrow drive sponsored by the National Bone Marrow Program and Mount Airy is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Department, 702 N. Main St.
“If we save at least one life we have met our goal,” Mount Airy resident Kevin Ryder said.
Ryder decided to become a bone marrow donor on a whim nearly two decades ago. He was identified as a match years after joining the national bone marrow registry.
“I thought it was a cheap way to get a checkup,” he said.
Ryder is still helping others become registered donors as he coordinates the city’s second bone marrow drive with help from Mount Airy Mayor Patrick Rockinberg and the National Bone Marrow Program.
He said support from Rockinberg adds value to donor registration efforts. Last year, more than 150 potential donors registered during the town’s inaugural drive, where one preliminary match was later identified.
“You can’t think about the procedure. You have to think about the experience,” he said.
About 9.5 million donors are on the national bone marrow registry, but there is still a need for donors, according to Sarah Pogue, a senior coordinator of the NIH Marrow Donor Program.
“It’s just a cheek swab,” Pogue said.
On Saturday, actual bone marrow will not be collected. Instead, cheeks will be swabbed to determine whether or not attendees are a match for the registry, Pogue said.
Those looking only for more information about becoming a donor are invited to the drive, too.
NIH representatives will be on hand to answer questions.
Potential donors must be 18 or older to join the registry.
In addition, minorities are encouraged to apply in an effort to add diversity, Pogue said.
For more information, call the NIH marrow donor program at 301-496-0572 or visit bethematch.org.
