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Plasma pays: Center reports surge in donors as people look to supplement their income

CHARLOTTE — A lifesaving donation is also helping some folks make a dime during tough times.

As many people struggle with rising prices on everyday items, some are finding unique ways to supplement their income, including plasma donation.

Unlike with blood donation, giving up your plasma pays.

Channel 9′s Erika Jackson spoke with donors and management at the CSL Plasma Center in University City, where there’s been a surge in contributions of late.

“Medicines that we make -- the plasma, direct therapies -- there’s no other way besides other humans to make those products right now,” said Paul Schmaldinst, the plasma center’s manager.

Schmaldinst said more folks have been coming in to donate in the last few months. He credits donors returning as the pandemic winds down and more students returning to nearby UNCC.

Donor Mitchell Baldwin told Channel 9 that the extra scratch he makes from the plasma center alleviates some of the stress of inflation.

“I think everybody knows the price of everything has been going up lately, so most everything feels a pinch a little bit,” he said.

Schmaldinst said new donors earn $125 during each of their first eight visits. After that, returning donors make $55 to $60 per session and can donate twice a week.

Donors must be between 18 and 74 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and undergo a medical screening.

Staff at CSL stressed there is still a critical need for plasma to create the lifesaving treatments that keep some folks alive.

Baldwin said the meaningful impact on others far outweighs any financial incentive to donate

“It’s a good feeling to help people out, even if you don’t see them,” he said.

More information on how you can donate is available here.

(WATCH BELOW: The American Red Cross faces emergency shortage of convalescent plasma)