CSL Plasma is making a $125,000 donation to the Red Cross, acknowledging an organization that shows up when disaster strikes. The funds, to benefit communities in the United States where plasma donors and employees live and work, will directly support relief and recovery efforts following hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, home fires and floods.
"Our donors and employees help do the amazing in our centers – enabling life-saving plasma donations to help patients affected by rare and serious diseases," said CSL Plasma General Manager Michelle Meyer. "It is our hope that this donation can support those who do the amazing in our communities where our donors and employees call home."
CSL Plasma is the plasma collection business of global biotherapeutics leader CSL Behring, which develops and manufactures medicines for people who have serious and rare diseases. Plasma-derived medicines are critical to patients who have conditions like hemophilia and primary immunodeficiencies. Plasma is a straw-colored liquid that carries red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. It’s mostly water (about 90%), proteins and clotting factors (8%), and small amounts of salts, glucose (blood sugar) and lipids (fats). Plasma helps maintain a steady blood pressure and deliver proteins the body needs for blood clotting and staying healthy.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission.
In 2021, the Red Cross responded to tornadoes in Kentucky, wildfires in the Western U.S. as well as the aftermath of Hurricane Ida along the U.S. Gulf Coast and in the Northeast. The vast majority of disasters the Red Cross responds to are home fires. Red Cross volunteers provide care and comfort to those who have lost their homes and help families rebuild their lives with financial support, emotional care and recovery assistance.
CSL Plasma's donation will help power the Red Cross with strong infrastructure, trained volunteers, innovative technology, and critical resources necessary to meet urgent needs of those whose lives are affected by a disaster.
"The Red Cross responds to a disaster every eight minutes. This support helps the Red Cross offer disaster survivors a safe place to sleep, a hot meal, emotional support and resources to aid in recovery – while also helping people and communities prepare for disasters yet to come," said Guy Triano, Regional Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the American Red Cross. "Support from organizations like CSL Plasma allows the Red Cross to deliver critical help to people who need it, anytime, anywhere."
