International Plasma Awareness Week

Yesterday, October 4, 2021, marks the start of the annual International Plasma Awareness Week (IPAW), which will run from October 4-8. This joint initiative of the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) and its member companies is designed to:

• Raise global awareness about source plasma collection
• Recognize the generous contributions of plasma donors in saving and improving lives
• Increase understanding about lifesaving plasma protein therapies and rare diseases

Plasma is the straw-colored liquid portion of blood comprised of water, salts, and proteins. These proteins are necessary for carrying out critical functions in the human body, such as providing antibodies to fight diseases. If a person has insufficient levels of anyone plasma protein, his or her body cannot carry out vital functions, causing a variety of chronic and life-threatening medical conditions.

Plasma is used to create lifesaving therapies for a wide variety of diseases and conditions that can be life-threatening to the individuals living with them. The reliance on plasma-derived therapies for these individuals is why plasma donation is of the utmost importance, and why we believe those who donate are plasma heroes. 

This year during IPAW, we hope that you'll participate by raising awareness for plasma donation, donating plasma and becoming a plasma hero, sign up to volunteer as a plasma awareness coordinator, educate yourself and others about the ongoing plasma shortage, or learn more about plasma and plasma-derived therapies. If you want to get more involved, the Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF) has put together an entire Plasma Awareness Toolkit to utilize. 

We hope you’ll help us during IPAW by sharing the importance of plasma donations. Remember to highlight the transformational impact plasma donations have on the lives of those living with rare diseases who rely on plasma-based therapies to stay healthy.

Use #IPAW2021 on social media when sharing your experiences, materials, and facts on plasma donation. Thank you for doing your part for those who rely on plasma.