Senate Resolution 266
By: Senator James of the 28th
A RESOLUTION
Encouraging the development of minority owned plasma collection centers and commending
Furquan R. Stafford and other community activists; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, for many years, countless individuals have suffered from medical deficiencies
which could be treated or controlled by therapies derived from human plasma; and
WHEREAS, the United States has established a substantial network of federally licensed
plasma collection centers, and reports have indicated that over 493 million plasma donations
were recorded across such centers between 2007 and 2021; and
WHEREAS, reports have further indicated that 33 million liters of plasma are used
worldwide every year to manufacture essential plasma protein therapies critical for treating
a wide array of medical conditions, including, but not limited to, blood clotting disorders,
sickle cell anemia, immune deficiencies, neurological disorders, hemophilia, and Alzheimer's
disease; and
WHEREAS, demand for these plasma protein therapies has escalated dramatically over the
past two decades, driven by advances in the diagnosis of rare diseases, elevated standards of
care, and enhanced patient access to innovative treatments; and
WHEREAS, the global market for human plasma sales reached a remarkable estimate of
approximately $30 billion in 2022, marking significant growth from just over $5 billion in
2000; and
WHEREAS, statistics have shown that over 86 percent of plasma donations in the United
States originate from African American donors; and
WHEREAS, no plasma collection centers in the United States are owned by African
Americans; and
WHEREAS, several community activists have diligently and conscientiously advocated to
expand development of minority owned plasma collection centers, including, but not limited
to, Furquan R. Stafford who has been advocating on this issue for over ten years.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
encourage the United States plasma collection industry to open up its markets and allow
equal opportunity for minorities to participate in the industry by executing plasma collection
agreements with them.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body recognize and commend the
significant contributions made by Furquan R. Stafford and other community activists in
expanding racial and ethnic diversity in the ownership and operation of plasma collection
centers.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to members of the
public and press.