International Plasma Awareness Week (IPAW) is held annually during the first week of October to raise global awareness about source plasma collection, recognize the valued contributions of donors, and increase understanding about plasma protein therapies and rare diseases. 

 Plasma — the straw-colored, liquid portion of blood — contains proteins necessary for the human body to carry out critical functions in the human body, such as creating antibodies to fight diseases and clotting factors to regulate bleeding. If a person has insufficient levels of any one plasma protein, his/her body cannot carry out these vital functions, causing a variety of chronic and life-threatening medical conditions. Since 2013, IPAW has been a coordinated and joint effort of the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) and its member companies to raise greater awareness about the importance of donating plasma. Many people living with life-threatening, chronic, and genetic diseases rely on plasma as a treatment. Unlike traditional pharmaceuticals, the source material for most plasma protein therapies is human plasma. PPTA and its members work every day to raise awareness for this unique human biologic and its lifesaving properties. IPAW is a dedicated week to show appreciation of the dedicated donors who help save the lives of patients. This year’s IPAW will be celebrated from October 5-9 and feature a brand new logo to emphasize a renewed energy and emphasis on this annual event.