On February 12, Durham College partnered with the OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network for their annual Get Swabbed event, promoting awareness of the need for stem cells as well as the many ways people can help by donating.  

Held at the Oshawa campus, the event was designed to promote stem cell research and advancements with students donating inner cheek swab samples for possible matches. For anyone matched to someone in need, the information provided by the students would be used to contact them about further donations for stem cell extraction.

The event was held at the college because the ideal age for donors is 17 to 35 years old.

“Young donors have the biggest potential to save the life of a patient anywhere in the world,” said Hailu Mulatu, co-ordinator, Donor Management, OneMatch. “We are inspired by all the students who have embraced our mission to help more patients in need. Registering is so easy and the impact is life-changing.”

Get Swabbed is one of the many events held at Durham College to help promote healthy living in the lives of students and people in need. For more information about future health events or other health-related inquiries, please contact the Campus Health Centre at the Oshawa campus.