Donating Blood Plasma!

Hi! My name is Parnit Cheema, and I am a freshman with an intended major of Public Health! This is my second semester in BPSHI, and I am currently a part of the External Community Outreach committee. I want to talk about the importance of donating blood plasma, because many Americans suffer from diseases in which they require plasma to live, and you can even get paid for donating plasma!

Blood plasma helps higher a patient’s blood volume level which prevents shock and helps with blood clotting. Plasma is given to help patients recovering from burns and shock, as well as patients with severe illnesses such as clotting factor deficiencies and liver diseases. Around 6,500 units of plasma are needed every day in America to help patients with their recovery process.

As I mentioned above, you can earn money for donating plasma monthly. You do not have to donate every month but depending on how much plasma you are allowed to donate (ranges depend on your weight), you can earn anywhere from 50 to over 1,000 dollars for donating plasma! To be eligible to donate plasma, you must be at least 18 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, pass a medical examination, and test negative for certain viruses like HIV.

By donating your plasma, you are helping to save lives of many patients who suffer due to chronic illnesses and can even profit yourself by earning some extra cash. I would especially recommend donating your blood plasma if you have a blood type of AB since this is the universal donor blood type, but anyone can donate plasma and should consider doing so, since donating plasma is an easy way to help others!