If you are looking for a little extra cash for the holiday season, consider donating plasma.
Over the summer, I reaped the benefits of helping fellow humans—monetarily and emotionally. In past years, I have donated blood; however, once I started giving plasma, there is no going back.
Biolife Plasma Center, located in La Crosse, takes hundreds of plasma donations a day. The cheerful, friendly medical assistants are happy to make you comfortable while you get paid to help out hemophiliacs.
Many people are clueless about plasma donation. Let me dispel these common myths:
1. Giving plasma hurts.
Actually, giving plasma is only slightly uncomfortable, what with the needle in your arm, but overall nothing to be scared about.
2. Giving plasma is bad for your body.
Wrong. I have asked several nurses and doctors about this—none of them had objections. In fact, I found that giving plasma has lowered my resting heart rate significantly—making it heart-healthy.
3. Donating plasma involves donating part of your immune system.
Wrong again. Donating plasma actually consists of donating the liquid protein contained in your blood, primarily the platelets.
Hemophiliacs are the main recipients of plasma donation. According to one staff member at the plasma center, each hemophiliac needs approximately 600 bags of plasma twice a year to replenish their platelet count. Hemophiliacs can potentially die from lack of platelets, which form blood clots in the case of a cut or wound.
The benefits of donating plasma can be seen by both you and the grateful recipients of your donation. Besides the satisfaction of potentially saving a lives, donors can get $50 by donating twice a week.

Reach Laura Greene at LMGreene4525@winona.edu.