By Jennifer Fulginiti and Marios Georgiou
October 9, 2024
With a presence in North America, Europe and elsewhere around the world, the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association addresses advocacy challenges facing each region. Regardless of where PPTA’s work takes place, the organization and its members are committed to enabling evidence-based policies for resilient supply of plasma-derived medicines benefiting the lives of patients across the globe, leading to the best outcomes for patients who rely on the availability of and access to plasma-derived medicines.
During this year’s International Plasma Awareness Week (IPAW), PPTA is highlighting the critical role of plasma donors and patients in advocacy. Without the powerful voices of patients and their personal experiences, advocacy efforts would lack the crucial perspectives needed to drive meaningful (or fit-for-purpose), people-centered healthcare policies and practice. Each of us has the power to create change - whether by speaking up, raise awareness, or taking the simple yet impactful step of donating plasma.
Read on for a summary of PPTA’s advocacy efforts across the globe, and learn how to become a vocal advocate yourself!
PPTA’s Advocacy in North America
In North America, PPTA walks the halls of Congress to educate policymakers on the issues that matter most to patients, including encouraging elected officials to join the Plasma Caucus to stay abreast of patient needs. Additionally, PPTA and experts advocate for plasma donation and patient need by conducting studies that demonstrate the safety of the plasma donation process and discover new clinical uses for plasma-derived medicines. PPTA members advocate for patients and donors by adhering to the voluntary standards of the International Quality Plasma Program, which guides the industry's goal of continuous improvement with a focus on safety and quality from the donor to the patient.
But did you know that you can be an advocate too? You don’t have to be a businessperson or a lawmaker – anyone can help drive change! As PPTA partner, the GBS-CIDP Foundation explains, whether you are a patient or caregiver, your story matters. You have the power to drive more informed decisions by federal, state, and local government officials. Interested in being an advocate for all things plasma? Here’s some ideas to get started:
- Write letters to your legislators to educate them about why plasma donation and plasma medicines matter to you.
- Call your legislators to tell them more about how these unique medications have impacted your life.
- Meet with legislative staff at their offices on Capitol Hill or in their home district to share your story and ask for them to take a particular stance on an issue.
- Create awareness on social media about plasma donation and plasma medicines.
- Educate the general public by telling your story.
Watch a video from GBS-CIDP on the importance of patient advocacy.
PPTA’s Advocacy in Europe
Advocacy is a key pillar of PPTA Europe's work. The association engages with stakeholders across the European Union and cooperates with international organizations, regulators, national health authorities and government officials to enable a legislative environment that fosters the availability and accessibility of plasma-derived medicines. This engagement takes many forms, including regular meetings with policymakers, participating in public consultations, submitting position papers on relevant legislative proposals, organizing educational events, letter writing, and providing expert input to inform policy decisions.
When driving effective advocacy efforts, PPTA and its members turn to science and evidence to produce well-informed positions grounded in decades of technical expertise. From the collection of plasma to the manufacturing of lifesaving medicines administered to patients, PPTA is dedicated to supporting science-based decision-making across all aspects of our work.
The European plasma-derived medicinal products (PDMPs) industry - from private plasma collectors to manufacturers - is essential to the global supply of these lifesaving treatments. For years, private centers in Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Czechia have safely collected millions of units of plasma. Donated plasma is processed into treatments in over 20 state-of-the-art production facilities operated by PPTA member companies across the continent. However, none of this would be possible without plasma donors. Their generosity gives patients the hope they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives. By donating plasma, individuals across Europe are advocating for the wellbeing and health of patients they may never even meet in their lifetime – but their donation is a vein-to-vein human connection that must be honored and supported.
Become an Advocate During IPAW and Beyond
Visit www.plasmaweek.org to explore a range of resources for participating in IPAW. Whether you are looking to expand your knowledge, share your story, or advocate for plasma donation, there’s something for everyone to contribute to this important cause. The beauty of advocacy is that everyone can be a part of it. Find the path that’s right for you, and share your journey by emailing media@pptaglobal.org. Your inspiring story can help others find the courage to get started on putting their own advocacy into action.