You've probably heard plenty of stories from friends and family about how they donated plasma to earn some extra money. However, over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is now a shortage of the life-saving bio-material and they need donations ASAP.

Get our free mobile app

Nationwide Plasma Shortage

According to WILX, when compared to plasma donations in 2019, "Total yearly plasma donations countrywide have decreased by nearly 20% in 2020."

We've seen a similar shortage happening when it comes to life-saving donations like plasma as well as with blood donations and apparently there is an urgent need for Michigan, in particular.

The Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA)

WILX also reports that the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) is encouraging people to "pair up for plasma."

According to their website, the PPTA, they "represent[s] the private sector manufacturers of plasma-derived and recombinant analog therapies, collectively known as plasma protein therapies and the collectors of source plasma used for fractionation. These therapies are used by small patient populations worldwide to treat a variety of rare diseases and serious medical conditions."

They also say this coming week, October 4th through the 9th, is International Plasma Awareness Week.

How to Get Started Donating in Michigan

It seems each city in Michigan has its own, main plasma donation center.

When I lived in Grand Rapids, BioLife was the big one and one of my roommates would actually donate multiple times a week and would supplement his income through donating plasma while he was in nursing school.

YES, unlike donating blood, which you do out of the goodness of your heart, donating plasma is not only a kind thing to do but is also something you can get paid for.

In the Lansing area there are donation centers like CSL Plasma, Talecris Plasma Resources, the Red Cross and more.

Your first donation session does take a little longer than the rest as they do have to get you enrolled and do other various health screenings.

KEEP READING: See 25 natural ways to boost your immune system

Goosebumps and other bodily reactions, explained

 

More From 1240 WJIM AM