International Plasma Awareness Week

Proclamation
By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, October 11 through 17, 2015, marks International Plasma Awareness Week with observances throughout the United States designed to raise global awareness of the need for source plasma collection, recognize the contributions of plasma donors to saving and improving lives and to increase understanding about lifesaving plasma protein therapies and rare diseases; and

WHEREAS, there are 16 plasma collection centers in the state of Alabama; and

WHEREAS, lifesaving plasma-derived and recombinant blood clotting factors, collectively known as plasma protein therapies are unique, biologic products for which no substitute therapies, biologic products for which no substitute therapies exist, save and improve lives of individuals throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, plasma protein therapies are used to treat many conditions including bleeding disorders, primary immunodeficiency diseases, Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and certain rare neurological disorders; and

WHEREAS, these therapies are also used in emergency and surgical medicine to save and improve lives; and

WHEREAS, these therapies have significantly improved the quality of life, markedly improved patient outcomes, extended life expectancy for individuals with rare diseases, specifically those with plasma protein disorders:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim October 11 through 17, 2015 as

International Plasma Awareness Week

in the State of Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 4th day of September 2015.

Robert Bentley
Governor