Paul Amos, President of Aflac, launched a bone marrow registry drive among his 4,000 employees. Aflac is a supplemental insurance company based in Columbus, Georgia. Joining the registry involves completing a donation kit (available at marrow.org). Cotton swabs are swiped on the inside of the cheeks to determine the tissue type. The sample is then sent along with an in-depth health history questionnaire to the National Marrow Donor Program. Anyone over the age of 18 can join the registry provided he or she meets the health criteria. Those with conditions such as HIV, insulin-dependent diabetes, hepatitis and autoimmune diseases are generally excluded.
