by Lee Pierre
Freedom Plasma Center located at 4150 Melrose Avenue in NW recently held a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony welcoming the center to the neighborhood. Center Manager Nicholas Dillon, formerly of Botetourt County and a graduate of Northside High School, thanked all for coming out to the event adding that this is the first Freedom Plasma to be established in Virginia and he is eager for it to become an integral part of the community.
“Freedom Plasma brings millions of dollars to the community,” Dillon explained. “This amount is through the construction of the center, the salary of employees, as well as payouts to our donors. When that money is spent locally it leads to bigger financial growth.”
He further stated that first-time donors receive extra compensation for their donations, “receiving $100 for their first eight donations.”
To donate plasma, you have to be at least 18 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. You’ll need to get a physical examination and get tested for certain viruses like HIV and hepatitis. Blood plasma is a light, amber-colored liquid component of blood in which blood cells are absent but which contains proteins and other constituents of whole blood in suspension. It makes up about 55% of the body’s total blood volume and is the intravascular part of extracellular fluid.
The donation of plasma has been stigmatized and due to this stigma, many are reluctant to donate. However, the truth of the matter is that donations are necessary and a way to help those who have medical needs.
Eric Sichau, Roanoke Chamber of Commerce president, commended Dillon and his team stating, “Congratulations for being the first location in Virginia we appreciate that the first location is in the City of Roanoke to help support and grow the region with your investment.”
City Councilman Stephanie Moon-Reynolds was on hand and said, “As many may or may not know, blood plasma is referred to as being “liquid gold.” That sounds like money to me! It is vital for treating so many illnesses.” She shared with the group that she had researched information about plasma and found that plasma is used to create life-saving medicines, adding, “We are so grateful to the team and that Roanoke was first when you chose Virginia.”
Plasma is essential for your body to function and serves as the liquid that holds your red and white blood cells and platelets together. Doctors can use plasma to treat different kinds of serious health problems. Some of the elements in plasma, including the antibodies and chemicals that help your blood to clot, can help in medical emergencies like burns and trauma. Other things that plasma donation is good for include developing treatments. The antibodies and proteins can also be used to develop treatments for rare diseases, including some immune system problems, Cancer: adults and children with different kinds of cancer including leukemia-sometimes need plasma transfusions. Transplant surgery: Some people who get liver or bone marrow transplants need plasma. Hemophilia: In this rare disorder a person’s blood doesn’t have enough clotting factors so donated plasma can help. It takes about 900 plasma donations to treat one person with Alpha1 for one year, and about 1,200 plasma donations to treat severe hemophilia in that time.
Freedom Plasma was developed and is managed by ImmunoTek Bio Centers LLC in partnership with a global healthcare company and leading manufacturer of plasma-derived medicines. Freedom Plasma provides donors the freedom to improve their financial position and help positively impact the lives of patients who rely on plasma-based therapies. Each plasma donation is essential and provides patients the freedom to live healthier and happier lives.
The friendly team of plasma experts is dedicated to offering donors a high-quality experience in a welcoming atmosphere. Their great service to our donors is why our employees are the heart of everything we do. In support of their important work, the company offers a competitive benefits program that meets the individual needs of employees so they can build a promising and lasting career.
