International Plasma Awareness Week IN NORTH AMERICA

Learn about International Plasma Awareness Week and how to get involved in your area.

So to say 5 to 6 things that I couldn't have done without this medication is very limiting because I just wouldn't have a life, I wouldn't be alive.

Terry | Patient living with a common variable immunodeficiency (CVID)

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About ipaw IN NORTH AMERICA

International Plasma Awareness Week IPAW is celebrated across the North American continent to honor committed plasma donors and collection centers that make and collect needed and lifesaving contributions that create plasma-derived medicines.  

These medicines are used by patients with chronic, life-threatening diseases including bleeding disorders, primary immunodeficiencies, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, rare neurological disorders, and more. In addition, these therapies are used in emergency and surgical medicine.

Across the U.S. and elsewhere in North America, plasma donation centers and patient organizations are hosting activities to raise awareness of the importance of plasma donation during IPAW. Click below to find a donation center near you and reach out to learn if they are planning events or celebrations.

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SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Help celebrate plasma donors and promote plasma donation around the world. Here's how you can help using your social networks.

Pose for Plasma

Share why you are passionate about the plasma cause in an #unselfie. Print out a prompt and write why you are grateful for plasma donors and plasma donation. Share a photo holding your sign on social media and include the hashtag #IPAW2024 when posting.

Download a Prompt Here

Get Social

Post about #IPAW2024 on your favorite social media platforms to raise awareness about plasma donation and the power of plasma-derived medicines. Get started right away with a pre-scripted tweet for X (Twitter), (Note: You must be logged into Twitter for the text to populate.) or find more content at the link below. Each day’s social media content will have a relevant theme—details are included in the below toolkit.

Download toolkit

Become an advocate

There are many ways to become an active advocate for plasma donations and the patients who rely on plasma-derived medicines. Here are a few ways to get started.

Support APLUS

The American Plasma Users Coalition (APLUS) is a group of national patient organizations created to address the unique needs of patients with rare diseases who use lifesaving plasma-derived medicines. The organizations representing these patients share a common desire to ensure that the patient voice is heard when relevant public policies, regulations, directives, guidelines, and recommendations affecting access to safe and effective therapy and treatment are considered. Together, the coalition represents more than 125,000 Americans living with chronic disorders dependent upon plasma-derived medicines for their daily living. Meet the organizations involved in APLUS.

Become a Plasma Hero

You don’t have to just watch heroes in movies or read about them in comic books. You can be one. Plasma donation saves countless lives — and by donating plasma, you can become a hero! Find a donation center near you to learn more about becoming a plasma donor.

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Ask Your Member of Congress To Join the Plasma Caucus

The Congressional Plasma Caucus is a group of bipartisan members dedicated to advancing policies that promote patient access to lifesaving plasma-derived medicines. The Plasma Caucus focuses on raising awareness about the impact of plasma-derived medicines on patients with rare and chronic conditions, the potential barriers to accessing these essential medicines, supporting research and the importance of source plasma donation. Find your elected officials in Congress and send them a note asking them to join the Plasma Caucus. 

Downloadable Advocacy
Resources

Not sure how to reach out to elected officials? We've made it simple: Just download these templates to get in touch with your local officials about promoting IPAW.

Ask Your Elected Officials for a Local Proclamation

A proclamation is an official designation of an event, issued by local governments. Proclamations are a great way to educate your community and elected officials about International Plasma Awareness Week and the importance of plasma donation and access to plasma-derived medicines. Click to download an IPAW proclamation template that you can send to your local city or state officials.

Light Up Request

Another impactful way to raise awareness around is to light up local landmarks in the official IPAW colors — blue and yellow. Many cities and counties have official light up request processes for town halls, bridges, clock towers, and other notable places. Search for options near you and download this template to submit your request.

spread the word

Get the word out about IPAW to raise awareness within your community. Here are a few ways to get started.

Share Your Story with PPTA

Are you a plasma donor or a patient who uses plasma-derived medicines? Click here to share your story for a chance to have it shared on PPTA’s social media channels, email newsletters, or other communications outlets.

Send a Press Release to Your Local Media

Are you part of an organization, health care center, or institution interested in celebrating IPAW? Edit this templated press release to send to your local media outlets.

Submit an Op-Ed

If you’re a patient who relies on plasma-derived medicines, or a plasma donor who finds value in giving back, an opinion piece in your local newspaper is one way to share your story. Most op-ed sections have stated requirements for article length, and other submission guidelines. Find yours, and view this tip sheet on crafting your own op-ed.