CSL Plasma Expands in Kankakee with New Donation Center to Collect Life-Saving Plasma
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA – April 10, 2023 – CSL Plasma, the plasma collection business of global biotherapeutics leader CSL Behring, today announced the opening of its 320th U.S. plasma collection center in Kankakee, Illinois, adjacent to the CSL Behring manufacturing site, a state-of-the-art manufacturing site located approximately one hour outside of Chicago that manufactures products that treat rare and serious conditions for patients around the world.
CSL Plasma is one of the world's largest collectors of human plasma. Plasma is used to produce life-saving therapies that treat diseases such as primary immunodeficiency, hereditary angioedema, inherited respiratory disease, hemophilia and other bleeding or neurological disorders. Plasma can also be used in the hospital or urgent care settings.
Annually, CSL Plasma contributes about $6 million or more per center to local economies in employee payroll and donor payments. The company also supports local communities through job creation, community recruitment and career growth, as well as builds long-term alliances to support local schools, non-profit organizations and small businesses. On average, each CSL Plasma center employs a staff of approximately 50 people and hires local contractors for maintenance and other needs.
“CSL Plasma is proud to be a vital part of the communities where employees and plasma donors live and work,” said Amanda Kitchen, Division Director, New Center Operations, CSL Plasma. “We’re excited to continue our expansion here in Kankakee County where we have a 70-year legacy and look forward to positively contributing to our local communities, as we have done throughout the country and beyond.”
“CSL Plasma has grown its U.S. center network throughout the country recognizing the critical and ongoing need for plasma donations to help people affected by rare and serious diseases,” said Walter Charles, Senior Vice President and General Manager, CSL Plasma. “Illinois remains a key state in our effort to continue collecting life-saving plasma that helps patients in more than 100 countries.”
Plasma is a straw-colored liquid that carries red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. The proteins, antibodies, clotting factors and other nutrients in it also make plasma useful in treating those suffering from trauma, shock, burns or other emergencies that could happen to any individual.
To donate at a CSL Plasma collection center, donors must be in good health, between 18 years old or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, have no new tattoos or piercings within the last four months, meet eligibility and screening requirements. and have valid identification and a permanent address. To learn more about donating plasma and find a local CSL Plasma Center, visit www.cslplasma.com.
About CSL Plasma
CSL Plasma operates one of the world’s largest and most sophisticated plasma collection networks, with nearly 350 plasma collection centers in the U.S., Europe and China. Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, CSL Plasma is a subsidiary of CSL Behring, a global biotherapeutics business and a member of CSL. Plasma collected at CSL Plasma facilities is used by CSL Behring for the sole purpose of manufacturing lifesaving plasma-derived therapies for people in more than 100 countries. The parent company, CSL (ASX:CSL; USOTC:CSLLY), headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, employs more than 32,000 people. For more information about CSL Plasma visit, www.cslplasma.com.
Media Contact
Rhonda Sciarra
Director, Communications, CSL Plasma
Office: + 1 561 981 4207
Mobile: +1 551 228 3244
rhonda.sciarra@cslplasma.com