[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 142 (Friday, October 11, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1490]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RESOLUTION TO COMMEMORATE INTERNATIONAL PLASMA AWARENESS WEEK

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                           HON. LYNN JENKINS

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 11, 2013

  Ms. JENKINS. Mr. Speaker:
  Whereas October 13-20, 2013 marks International Plasma Awareness Week 
with observances throughout the United States and Europe designed to 
raise global awareness of the need for plasma to create lifesaving 
therapies, recognize the value that plasma donors contribute in saving 
and improving lives, and increase understanding of rare diseases and 
plasma protein therapies;
  Whereas, plasma-derived therapies and recombinant blood clotting 
factors, collectively known as plasma protein therapies, are unique, 
biological products for which no substitutes or alternative treatments 
exist save and improve lives of individuals throughout the world;
  Whereas, plasma protein therapies are used to treat bleeding 
disorders, primary immune deficiency diseases, alpha-1 antitrypsin 
deficiency and certain rare, neurological disorders;
  Whereas, these therapies are also used in emergency and surgical 
medicine to save and improve lives;
  Whereas, plasma protein therapies have significantly improved the 
quality of life, markedly improved patient outcomes, and extended life 
expectancy for individuals with rare, chronic diseases and conditions;
  Whereas healthy committed donors provide plasma essential to 
manufacture these lifesaving therapies;
  Whereas, there are over 400 plasma collection centers in the U.S. 
that have demonstrated their commitment to plasma donor and patient 
safety and quality by earning International Quality Plasma Program 
(IQPP) certification; now, therefore, be it
  Resolved by the 113th Congress that October 13-20, 2013 is recognized 
as ``International Plasma Awareness Week'' in the United States of 
America.

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