Did you know that the plasma collected from BPL Plasma donors is a key ingredient in medications used to treat several rare diseases, including Primary Immune Disease?

On February 28, we celebrate Global Rare Disease Day to raise awareness and improve access to treatment for individuals with rare diseases and their families.  A rare disease is defined as a disease that affects fewer than 1 in 2,000 people. There are approximately 300 million people worldwide that suffer from one of over 6,000 identified rare diseases, 72% of which are genetic.

“It’s important to maintain awareness and get people into our plasma collection centers to donate. I do not think people realize that many of the medicines used to treat these rare – and serious! — diseases are made from life-saving plasma donations,” said Dr. Jennifer Duven, Corporate Medical Director for BPL Plasma.

To support Rare Disease Day, make a pledge to donate plasma.  In addition to helping a patient, you can earn money.  Plasma donors are compensated for the time they spend in a BPL Plasma Center.  By donating up to 2x each week, BPL Plasma donors receive an average of $140 per week to help others.   To begin the process, click here to find a BPL Plasma Center.  When you visit, please bring a valid photo ID, social security card and proof of address.   Even better, bring a friend!