HR 1124: Blood Plasma Donation Awareness Day in Georgia; February 17, 2026; recognize

This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives recognizes February 17, 2026, as Blood Plasma Donation Awareness Day in Georgia. It does not change any law; instead it states the General Assembly's position by laying out a series of factual findings about blood plasma donation, including its use in treating conditions such as sickle cell disease, autoimmune disorders, and rare illnesses. The resolution notes that sickle cell disease disproportionately affects people of African descent, both nationally and in Georgia, and points out that while Black donors make up a large share of plasma donations nationwide, no plasma collection centers in Georgia are currently owned by people of that demographic. It directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

• Formally recognizes February 17, 2026, as Blood Plasma Donation Awareness Day in the state of Georgia.
• States legislative findings about the medical importance of blood plasma donation and its role in treating sickle cell disease and other conditions.
• Notes a disparity in ownership of plasma collection centers in Georgia relative to the demographics of blood plasma donors.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

The resolution mainly affects public awareness rather than any regulated group. It references people living with sickle cell disease in Georgia, blood plasma donors, plasma collection centers, and communities of African descent, who the resolution says are disproportionately affected by sickle cell disease and underrepresented in plasma center ownership.

Because this is a resolution rather than a law, it creates no new rights, requirements, or funding. Its practical effect is to officially mark a day for public attention to blood plasma donation and to put on the record the General Assembly's acknowledgment of disparities in the plasma industry.

• The resolving clause designates February 17, 2026, as Blood Plasma Donation Awareness Day in Georgia.
• The whereas clauses cite national plasma donation statistics, the plasma market's growth to about $30 billion in 2022, and sickle cell disease's impact on over 11,000 Georgians.
• The resolution notes that Black donors comprise over 86 percent of plasma donations nationwide yet no plasma centers in Georgia are Black-owned.
• The final clause directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available to the public and press.

1. 2026-01-28House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-01-28House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-01-28House Hopper (House)

• Noelle Kahaian (R, HD-081)Primary sponsor
• Patty Stinson (D, HD-150)
• Reynaldo Martinez (R, HD-111)
• Matt Reeves (R, HD-099)
• Floyd Griffin (D, HD-149)
• Michelle Au (D, HD-050)

• blood plasma donation
• sickle cell disease
• public health awareness
• health equity