Struggling economy helping to increase plasma donations

With a struggling economy, many people are looking for creative ways to make a little cash.

Dan Strickland is doing his part to help save lives by donating plasma, and that donation reaps a cash reward.

Strickland, who is a frequent donor, said, “I come here, it puts fuel in the scooter, and it keeps me going back and forth to work for two weeks.”

The DCI Biologicals Center serves a unique clientele. People walk in to donate plasma, and on the same day, walk out with cash in hand. Many are using that cash to combat rising gas prices.

Donor Thaddeus Gray said, “I’m trying to beat the high price of gas. $3.83 is what I paid last night, so anything I can do to help fill up my tank.”

Stuart Smith said, “It’s a good way for people to do a good deed and make a little money on the side.”

DCI Biologicals manager, Brooke Leedy said as prices rise on things like food and gas, more and more people show up to donate.

To put it simply, plasma is the liquid portion of your blood. Many times it benefits people suffering from immune deficiency disorders.

“Some amazing things are done with plasma, and a lot of people could not live normal lives without it, so it is a life saving product,” said Leedy.

The whole process takes about an hour, including a physical and a screening process. Regular donors can make up to $180 per month, and there are extra incentives for frequent donors.

“We have mothers saving for their daughters wedding, and everything you can imagine that you would need extra money for right now in this economy,” said Leedy.

If you would like to donate and help save some lives, DCI Biologicals is open six days a week in Wilmington. Their hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.

You can find more information on their website at http://www.dciplasma.com/.

DCI Biologicals Wilmington LLC
108 S. 17th Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 762-1665