Donations from center to be used in life-saving therapies

Laramie, Wyo., Dec. 11, 2002 – BioLife Plasma Services, a subsidiary of Baxter Healthcare Corporation, celebrated the opening of a state-of-the-art plasma collection facility in Laramie with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in association with the Laramie Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. The new facility is located in the Laramie River Business Park in West Laramie at 1122 Adams Street.

The center collects plasma, the liquid portion of the blood, through a process called plasmapheresis. It is from this plasma that life-saving biological products are produced by Baxter and used in therapies to treat people with hemophilia and immune deficiencies, as well as trauma and burn victims. The center opens with a staff of 28 employees, all Laramie area residents, managed by Barbara D'Onofrio.  Dr. Edward Hobart of Casper, Wyo. will serve as the center's Medical Director.

During the donation process, the plasma component of whole blood is collected throught the use of an automated machine, returning saline and the unused blood components, such as red blood cells and platelets, to the donor.  Each donation procedure uses sterile and disposable collection materials. Once the donation is complete, the disposable equipment is discarded and replaced with new materials for the next donation.  Donors are monetarily reimbursed for their commitment to the program, and can spend the 1 1/2-hour donation time reading, listening to music, studying or relaxing.

BioLife Plasma Services will play a vital role in the surrounding communities. Plasma donors not only contribute the source of life-saving plasma-based products, they also contribute to the commercial vitality of their immediate neighborhoods. The fees donors receive for their time in donating plasma may be directed by donors to support church, civic and charitable organizations as well as activities for their families.

The Laramie center is open Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday and Friday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for donations.  Please call 307-742-3608 to make an appointment.

Baxter Healthcare Corporation is the principal domestic operating subsidiary of Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX), a global health care company that, through its subsidiaries, provides critical therapies for people with life-threatening conditions. Baxter's bioscience, medication delivery and renal products and services are used to treat patients with some of the most challenging medical conditions, including cancer, hemophilia, immune deficiencies, infectious diseases, kidney disease and trauma.

For more information, please contact us.