New Center Based on Innovative Research and Collaboration Between Mercy Gilbert Medical Center and Celebration Stem Cell Centre
Gilbert, AZ, July 20, 2010 – A collaborative partnership between Mercy Gilbert Medical Center and Celebration Stem Cell Centre is turning Gilbert, Arizona into one of the world’s leading research centers for cord blood stem cell research, processing, and storage. Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, several Phoenix-area hospitals, and other Catholic Healthcare West hospitals have agreed to collect donated cord blood from consenting patients for the processing, storage, and subsequent delivery of stem cells for worldwide clinical research made available through Celebration Stem Cell Centre. Cord blood stem cells are non-controversial, unlike embryonic stem cells, because it is collected from the umbilical cord of newborn babies, which is usually discarded. Researchers, institutions, and companies interested in opening offices in Gilbert for stem cell research should contact Gilbert’s economic development division at: [email protected] or (480) 503-6010.
“In the future, Gilbert will be a worldwide destination for patient treatment and center for scientists to be trained from basic science to clinical application for stem cells,” said Dr. Nabil Dib, Medical Director and Chief Investigator at the Celebration Stem Cell Centre.
“Gilbert is proving its commitment to successfully establishing healthcare and life sciences as one of its strategic industry clusters,” stated Laurie Eberst, President of Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. “The Celebration Stem Cell Centre, our hospital, Gilbert’s Economic Development Division, and other local resources are helping to build a world-class bioscience landscape and community for healthcare and biomedical development.”
“We are proud and excited by the number of industry leading healthcare institutions and life science companies that have chosen Gilbert as their location based on our infrastructure, resources, business climate, and economic incentives,” said Gilbert Mayor John Lewis. “Quality and accessible healthcare services is an important benefit to our community and life science companies represent a key ingredient to our future economic growth and health.”
Gilbert, Arizona Life Science Resources
- Location of the new M.D. Anderson Banner Cancer Center, scheduled to open in 2011.
- Major Healthcare Providers/Services: Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, Banner Gateway Medical Center, Gilbert Hospital, and Ironwood Cancer Research Center.
- Over 2 million square feet of state-of-the-art hospital and clinical research facilities.
- 300 acres of real estate earmarked for healthcare facilities and services.
- Close proximity to over 800 science and technology firms, potential for collaborative partnerships.
- Access to 100,000 healthcare practitioners and technicians within 45 minute commute.
- Educational resources: Arizona State University Polytechnic, A.T. Still University, Pima Medical Institute, the Bryman School, and Chandler-Gilbert Community College.
- Regional Assets: The Science Foundation Arizona, Arizona Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, Translational Genomics Research Institute.
About Gilbert, Ariz. Economic Development Services
Gilbert’s economic development division is committed to the attraction and retention of business and industry to the Gilbert community. The division provides expert site selection services, operational cost analysis, incentive comparisons, workforce studies and the ability to connect knowledge assets that spur innovation.
About Celebration Stem Cell Centre
The Celebration Stem Cell Centre (CSCC) in Gilbert, Arizona is a private umbilical cord blood bank, public cord blood donation bank, adult stem cell processing, genetic counseling and research facility. CSCC services include the processing and banking of umbilical cord blood, bone marrow and adipose (fat) tissue derived stem cells. It also offers genetic counseling, bone marrow match testing and a registry that will be available to the public and medical community.
About Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center is a full-service, 212-bed, acute care, not-for-profit community hospital providing exceptional healthcare to the East Valley. Services offered include cardiovascular, emergency, family birth center, gastrointestinal, pediatric and adolescent, sleep center, orthopedics, and diagnostic services, among others. The hospital is part of Catholic Healthcare West (CHW) one of the largest healthcare systems in the West with 40 hospitals in Arizona, California and Nevada.
About Gilbert, Arizona
Gilbert, Arizona is located approximately 10 miles southeast of Phoenix, Arizona. With a population of 220,000 Gilbert was ranked the 4th fastest-growing large municipality in the nation according to CNN/Money Magazine. Gilbert also has one of the finest K-12 education systems in Arizona and ranks 36th out of the top 100 best places to live in America. For additional details on Gilbert’s low operating costs, established aviation and aerospace employers, incentives and available workforce, please contact the Economic Development Division at [email protected] or 480.503.6010, or visit: http://www.gilbertaz.gov/busdevmedia/default.cfm
