Bill > HB620

This bill designates February 17th of each year as "Blood Plasma Donation Awareness Day" in Georgia, aiming to highlight the critical importance of blood plasma donations for life-saving therapies and treatments for various medical conditions, including sickle cell disease, which disproportionately affects individuals of African descent. The bill emphasizes that while millions of plasma donations are made annually across the United States, and plasma-derived medicinal products (PDMPs) are essential for treating rare and life-threatening illnesses, there is a need for greater awareness and representation within the plasma industry, particularly given the significant contributions of African Americans to donations and the historical legacy of pioneers like Dr. Charles Richard Drew. The designation of this awareness day is intended to promote a more inclusive and representative blood plasma industry that better reflects the communities it serves, and the act will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70795