Vital Lifeline: Survey Highlights Awareness of Plasma Donation’s Impact, Despite Low Participation
Table of Contents
Despite widespread recognition of the life-saving potential of plasma-derived medicines, a new survey reveals that the vast majority of Americans have yet to donate plasma, underscoring a critical gap between awareness and action. The findings, released during International Plasma Awareness Week (IPAW) – observed globally from October 6–10 – highlight the urgent need to encourage more individuals to become plasma donors.
The Critical Role of Plasma in Modern Medicine
Plasma, a component of blood, is essential for creating treatments for a diverse range of serious health conditions. These include immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders, severe burns, and complications arising from surgeries, childbirth, and organ transplants. As scientific understanding expands and standards of care evolve, the demand for these unique therapies continues to rise. Because plasma cannot be artificially manufactured, relying on the generosity of donors is paramount.
Key Survey Findings Reveal a Knowledge Gap
The survey, commissioned by the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) and conducted among over 1,000 American adults, revealed a complex landscape of perceptions surrounding plasma donation. While 72% of respondents acknowledged that plasma-derived medicines can save lives, a significant 80% had never donated plasma themselves.
Nearly half (49%) of those who have not donated cited a lack of knowledge about the donation process as a barrier. The survey also indicated a perceived imbalance in urgency, with 65% believing there is a greater need for donated blood than plasma, and 60% feeling blood donation benefits more people.
Addressing Misconceptions and Encouraging Donation
“As the survey results show, there is increasing public awareness of the essential role plasma donation plays in saving lives,” stated Anita Brikman, President and CEO of the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association. “However, understanding must continue to advance in order to meet growing patient needs. During IPAW, it’s important to recognize plasma donors as everyday heroes because, as the survey shows, Americans know that plasma donation saves lives.”
The donation process itself is straightforward, typically taking less than an hour. Before donating, individuals undergo a health screening, including checks of blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, hemoglobin levels, and weight, as well as a questionnaire to ensure their suitability.
A Patient’s Perspective: The Transformative Power of Plasma
The impact of plasma donation extends far beyond statistics. Lillie Hunnicut, a Seattle-based plasma advocate living with common variable immune deficiency, shared her personal experience. “Donating plasma helps create medicines that help me and many others thrive!” she said. “Thanks to my plasma-derived therapy, I can now run, hike, climb, and be active and present in my daily life in a way that I wasn’t for several years before my diagnosis and treatment. I am so grateful to the many donors who have given me not just my life back—but have strengthened my sense of hope in humanity.”
The Growing Need and the Prevalence of Immune Deficiencies
The need for plasma-derived therapies is particularly acute for individuals with primary immunodeficiencies (PI). According to Jorey Berry, President and CEO of the Immune Deficiency Foundation, an estimated half a million Americans have been diagnosed with a PI, though the actual number is likely significantly higher due to underdiagnosis. These individuals rely on life-saving medicines that can only be produced from human plasma.
“It is my hope that this survey and International Plasma Awareness Week will shine a much-needed spotlight on the critical, ongoing need for plasma donation and help raise awareness of these often-overlooked immune system disorders,” Berry stated.
PPTA is urging all healthy adults over the age of 18 to consider donating plasma, emphasizing that it is a powerful way to give the gift of life.
To learn more about plasma donation and find a donation center, visit www.pptaglobal.org/donate.
