Our great city serves as a place where the world convenes to explore natural wonders, compete in world-class athletic competitions, and enjoy its friendly community. However, for thousands of Americans, and more around the world, enjoying the Twin Cities culture and sporting events. would not be possible without the generous plasma donations by thousands of committed plasma donors who regularly visit our Talecris Plasma Resource Center on University Avenue. Plasma contains hundreds of essential proteins and antibodies that are vital to the body’s ability to maintain critical functions such as controlling bleeding and fighting infections. Without enough of any one of these proteins, a person could have a life-threatening illness such as an immune deficiency, genetic emphysema, or hemophilia.

Thanks to our donors’ generosity, Grifols is able to produce plasma protein therapies that help treat those suffering from these rare and chronic conditions. These medicines help give people around the world the chance for more productive and healthier lives.

In fact, one of these therapies was first used during World War II to treat severe conditions and continues to be used on today’s battlefields for the treatment of wounded soldiers. Over the years, additional therapies have been developed to manage multiple conditions in the various areas of pulmonology, hematology, immunology and neurology.

Grifols, along with our patients, thanks the thousands of healthy, committed donors who come regularly to donate plasma at our Fridley center. Being a plasma donor is, in fact, a commitment because only plasma from healthy, repeat donors is used to produce plasma-derived medicines. If a donor does not return to make a second donation, their first donation will never be used.

Donor health and product safety are our utmost priorities. Donors receive a thorough health screening at each donation, including a physical exam at the first visit, and every single donation undergoes vigorous testing. Plasma donors are compensated for their time because we realize there is a commitment involved in being a regular plasma donor. It takes anywhere from 130 to 1,300 donations to make enough medicine to treat a single patient for one year.

For those of you, who are not already donors, consider learning more about plasma donation by visiting www.grifolsplasma.com or the Fridley Talecris Plasma Resource Center at 6582 University Avenue NE (763-571-9166). Please be sure you bring a valid government-issued ID, proof of address, and social security card.

To show our appreciation, Talecris is partnering with Go Radio to offer a pair of tickets to an upcoming concert of your choice. You will be able to select from either a Modern Alternative music concert compliments of Go 96.3 FM, or a Modern Hip-Hop show compliments of Go 95.3 FM. The winner will be chosen at random early October from all donors from September that will be automatically entered to win. 

Your donations truly do make a difference in helping to improve the lives of thousands of patients struggling with rare and chronic conditions in the U.S. and worldwide.