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October 1, 2026
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HON. DORIS O. MATSUI
of california
in the house of representatives
Thursday, October 1, 2026
Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize International Plasma Awareness Week (IPAW) from October 5 to October 9, 2026, an annual campaign designed to raise awareness about plasma donation and plasma-derived therapies (PDTs), recognize plasma donors, and educate the public and policymakers about patients who depend on these therapies.
the privilege of meeting countless individuals and families whose lives have been affected by rare and chronic diseases. I have heard about their challenges, but I have also seen the incredible difference in their lives when life-saving treatments are available.
part of that story. Human plasma, the liquid portion of our blood, contains important proteins that perform critical functions in our bodies. PDTs made from these proteins are used to treat patients with primary immunodeficiencies, bleeding disorders, rare neurological diseases, Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, hereditary angioedema and other serious conditions. They are also used in emergency medicine to treat patients suffering from shock, trauma, or burns.
But there is something particularly remarkable about PDTs: they begin with another person. Plasma cannot be manufactured in a laboratory. It cannot be distilled from a plant or synthesized using chemicals. Producing these therapies requires eligible donors to take the time to donate. And it takes many donors to meet the needs of patients. Depending on the condition and therapy, it can take hundreds—and in some cases as many as 1,200 plasma donations to provide one patient with treatment for one year. That is why increasing awareness about plasma donation is so important.
Association illustrates both the importance of plasma donation and the gratitude patients feel toward the people who donate. Before receiving plasma-derived medicine or caring for someone who did, only 12 percent of respondents said they were very well informed about plasma donation. And only 44 percent knew that providing therapy for one patient for a year can require as many as 1,200 donations.
response was overwhelming: 77 percent said they were grateful, 47 percent respectful, and 34 percent supportive. More than 400 people took the time to write personal messages thanking donors. Those numbers tell an important story.
person they will never meet. But that donor can nevertheless have a profound impact on their life—helping make it possible for them to go to school, pursue a career, raise a family, travel, and participate more fully in their communities.
learn more about plasma donation and the patients who rely on plasma- derived medicines. And most importantly, I want to thank our plasma donors. I thank them for their time. I thank them for their commitment. And I thank them for giving patients with rare and serious diseases something extraordinarily valuable: the possibility of living healthier, fuller lives.