Today marks the start of the 10th annual International Plasma Awareness Week (IPAW)! This week, we aim to raise awareness for plasma donation, recognize donors, and increase public knowledge about plasma therapies for rare diseases such as Primary Immunodeficiency.
PI patients need immunoglobulins, which are the antibodies within plasma that help to control the immune system and prevent illness. It takes 130 plasma donations to treat just one patient living with a PI for a year. Plasma donation is extremely safe and performed by trained nurses in a clinical space.
From October 3rd – 7th, you can support the IPAW efforts in the following ways:
- Sign up to be a plasma donor! Your first appointment takes only 90 minutes.
- If you’re a patient living with PI, share with others how plasma therapy has affected your life.
- Share your experience as a plasma donor with family and friends to encourage donor signup.
- Spread the word on social media and within your network of contacts to increase awareness.
- Sign up for regular appointments at your local plasma collection facility.
Not only will you give the gift of life, but you’ll also be compensated for your time. Together, we can support and save more precious lives! Check back this week for more plasma facts, interviews, and ways the Foundation supports plasma therapies.