CSL Behring employees are demonstrating their commitment to patients by donating plasma.
Now more than ever, plasma donations are needed for the life-saving medications CSL Behring develops and delivers for patients. Plasma-derived medicines treat rare and serious diseases such as immune deficiencies, neurological disorders and blood disorders. CSL Plasma sites have remained open for business in the United States during the pandemic because the federal government designated plasma collection centers “essential” to public health.
Outside of the U.S., particularly in Germany, Hungary and China, CSL Plasma collection centers are also operational.
“By becoming source plasma donors, employees are directly helping patients,” said Scott Newkirk, Divisional Director, Plasma Operations.
Walking the Walk
“For me, it is a matter of the heart not only to talk about how important it is to donate plasma and encourage others to do so, but to turn my words into deeds,” said Pia Amend, Junior Communications Specialist at CSL Behring’s Marburg, Germany, site.
Many employees have donated plasma before, but for others, the pandemic inspired this act of generosity.
“I recently donated my plasma for the first time,” said Debbie Finer, who is Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant, Global R&D, in King of Prussia, where she has worked for more than five years. “I wish I started years ago. What inspired me was seeing other colleagues donate and the fact that our source plasma is greatly needed now to ensure our medicines are there for our patients.”
Finer, who also recruited her twin sister, Michelle, to donate plasma, plans to become a regular donor. “It’s amazing how many people one donation can help,” she said. “I’m definitely going back on a regular basis.”
Donating Plasma Is Personal
For Maintenance Intern Jason Tanner, who works at CSL Behring’s Kankakee, Illinois, site, donating plasma is a personal endeavor. “One of CSL Behring’s medicines has actually saved my cousin’s life,” Tanner, who has donated his plasma many times, said. “What also keeps me donating is hearing stories from patients on how our therapies are enhancing their lives. It costs us nothing to give back a little for them.”
Like Tanner, Kankakee Product Inspector Guy Redman finds that patients are what inspires him to donate. “I became a donor after reading a patient’s story on the Vita news hub of CSL Behring.com,” said Redman, referencing a previously published story of a child with a rare disease. “I have three boys of my own, and I felt I had to do what I can. It’s immensely important to help, especially now.”
To learn more about plasma donations, including where to find a collection center near you, visit CSL Plasma.com.
