SR 266: Stafford, Furquan R.; commend

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.