Plasma Donors Save Lives!
#DYK hundreds of thousands of people with rare diseases worldwide, including nearly 125,000 people in the U.S. – and countless others facing trauma and emergency medical needs every day – rely on medicines that are only available because of the commitment of dedicated plasma donors.
Why not commit to becoming a donor – or coming back to donate again – during International Plasma Awareness Week (IPAW), October 3-7? This year marks the 10th annual IPAW and plasma donors continue to play a vital role in providing the starting material for patients around the world. Every plasma donation directly helps keep people alive and enjoying time with friends and family.
What is plasma?
Plasma accounts for about 55% of total blood volume and is the clear straw-colored liquid portion of blood that remains after red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other cellular components have been removed. Plasma carries water, salts, and proteins through the body.
Therapies derived from plasma donations are essential for people who are missing proteins or whose proteins are deficient. In most cases, plasma-derived therapies are the only treatment option for these severe diseases. As more people are diagnosed with plasma protein deficiencies every year, the need for therapies is becoming more urgent. The availability of those therapies depends on committed and healthy donors, like you.