Friday, May 20, 2016

PLASMA CENTERS SUCKING LIFEBLOOD OF NEEDY MEXICANS






















By Juan Montoya
Twice a week Alejandro Martinez (not his real name) crosses the Rio Grande at the Gateway Bridge to save American lives.
And also, to make a few dollars to take home to his impoverished family in northern Tamaulipas.
For three hours he sits on a padded recliner along with hundreds of other Mexican citizens with a needle stuck in their vein at the crook of their inner left elbow as their blood fills a red bag hanging from a hook on a metal holder.
"It takes a long time and it hurts a bit,"he said. "But my family really  needs the money for the basics, like chicken and other stuff."
If you look closely, you will see many people in downtown Brownsville with an elastic wrap around their left elbow as they walk down the streets. Many of them, as soon as they get paid for their donation, head straight for the downtown HEB to purchase their groceries and then walk across the bridge to take them home.
The signs on the blood donation centers entice the potential donors to come in and "Donate plasma and earn up to $200 a week." It's a hard invitation to ignore when wages in Matamoros rarely climb above $10 to $15 a day.
Introductory offers by the plasma centers used to be $50 for the first two times a person donated, dropping to $25 a shot two times a week.
But the competition is stiff and now some centers are offering $75 for the first two introductory donations, and then drop to the $25 twice a week.
This in itelf is interesting because, as the Chamber of Commerce likes to say, the cost of living down here is a lot cheaper than up north, therefore justifying the lower wages. The national CSL website states that: "You can get paid up to $400 each month by donating life-saving plasma. This is applicable for eligible, qualified new donors. Fees vary by location."
It also states that: "The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulations state that the maximum frequency you can donate plasma is once in a two-day period – and, no more than twice in a seven-day period."
Also, CSL says the plasma bought from locals will be used to treat a variety of diseases. "Your donation helps those in need of plasma-derived biotherapies to live healthier lives.
These biotherapies, produced by CSL Behring, are used around the world to treat coagulation disorders including hemophilia and von Willebrand disease, primary immune deficiencies, hereditary angioedema and inherited respiratory disease, and neurological disorders in certain markets. CSL Behring's products are also used in cardiac surgery, organ transplantation, burn treatment and to prevent hemolytic diseases in the newborn."
Martinez's mother, who waited outside the center while her son sold his blood said she was not comfortable with Alejandro selling his blood twice a week, but the family's needs outweighed her distaste for having a needle stuck in her son's arm.
"He's a little weak after each session," she said. "They give them a cup of juice and they keep everything real hygienic. But I'm still afraid he'll catch some infection or disease. I just don't like the idea of him selling blood for money."
There are at least two plasma donor centers in downtown Brownsville and they do a land-rush office business. Every day at dawn donors line the sidewalk before the doors open. Some local donors say they would rather go to a center on Price Road by the expressway to donate.
"The downtown centers are always full and you have to stand in line for a long time," said a Brownsville resident. "I lost my job at a call center that closed and I had no other job opportunity. I am just doing this until I find something else."
But although donating blood may seem like an easy way to make money, donors say that they are tested extensively by the plasma center staff to detect any indication od diseases such as TB, HIV, hepatitis, etc. Only then can the donor be accepted.
However, by the looks of things, times are hard in northern Mexico and it will continue to provide willing – and needy – customers to provide the precious liquid that will save the lives of people in the United States.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

They are not selling blood, as in a red cell donation, they are selling plasma, the liquid component of blood, the red cells are returned. Where do they offer that $75? Is that per donation or total for two donations? And afterwards, is it $25 per donation or $25 total for two donations?

Anonymous said...

Not just guys from Mata, Juan. Las Prietas and Southmost and the old geewers from Paul's Travel Trailer Park are regulars. I know two, and you know them, too, bro.

Anonymous said...

Do I see the Blimp in the top photo? ha ha ha

Anonymous said...

The centers target the Mexicans and the high stool kids there was or is a center on price and expressway that we use to go to from hanna high

Anonymous said...

$50 for the first five times you go, no more than twice weekly, then after that $25 for the first time and $35 if you donate again that same week. Must have three forms of ID, photo ID, some kind of bill, and SS card or something that shows your number, about a two hour process on the pheresis machine, totally self contained kit, sterile. I think I am going to do it.

Anonymous said...

Why don't you defecate in your mouth and "swallow", like your mom should have!

Anonymous said...

Como sabes....
Ya fuiste
No te hagas

Anonymous said...

Your article states "to save American lives". Why make it a race thing? I know plenty of people who come from across to give birth, and use the American hospitals, as well. That plasma helps a lot of people, regardless if they are Americans or not. He is getting paid for his contribution.

Anonymous said...

Stinking Mexicans do not think of anyone but themselves. Saving American lives? Who in the fuck are you trying to fool moron who wrote this article. Here we go again. The Mexican is always the victim. Poor downtrodden Mexican. "Gimme something for free, senor." The mantra for the Mexican......

Anonymous said...

Saving American Lives? You make it sound like he stood in line to donate, he got paid for it ! Anyone will benefit from this, not just an AMERICAN. Don't forget how Americans have helped others.

Anonymous said...

DP/M-S is a regular at the plasma center Juan. How else can he afford those pike lattes at Starbucks.....como pues!

Anonymous said...

"donate"... I don't think you know what that word means, whoever wrote this article. Just more uneducated rrun rrun crap I guess.

Anonymous said...

Pike Latte...lol! I got your pike latte right here duardy!

Anonymous said...

Don't like it, don't read it, simple.

rita