2008 Woodie Awards
Students give plasma to earn money
Plasma centers see a steady stream of college students ready to earn extra cash
Ry Marcattilio McCracken
Issue date: 9/17/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
As the opening weeks of a new school year fade into the monotony of another semester, students are once again feeling the pinch of buying a new set of books, tuition and the seemingly countless other little money-draining expenses that seem to pop up this time of year.
Many, including students new to the college experience, are looking for a way to replenish their dwindling bank account with some green.
Well, for those with an extra few hours a week, Biolife Plasma Resources might have an answer.
Biolife Plasma is a national medical firm that gives money in exchange for blood. Plasma is a yellowish fluid which red blood cells circulate throughout the body.
All Biolife Plasma asks is that you come in and sit on one of their recliners as rarely or as often as you want (though not more than twice in a seven-day period) for a little more than an hour while they take the plasma.
Plasma is worth up to $60 a week to Biolife Plasma Resources - $20 the first time you give in a seven-day period and $40 if you give a second time during that same period.
Geoff Angell, a sophomore and advertising major at SCSU, was willing to help dispel a couple of the worries students have about the process of donating plasma.
First, does it hurt?
"Not really," Angell said. "It's uncomfortable at first, but you get used to it. It's totally worth it for the money."
That being said, there is a needle involved that does have to go into your arm for the process to work, though over time, scar tissue makes the in and out process more comfortable.
Does giving plasma drain you or make you feel weak?
"I don't really feel any differently afterwards," Angell said. "I just go in and relax on the recliner. Sometimes I bring a magazine or some homework to read, but mostly I just relax."
Biolife, of course, will advise you not to run any marathons or try and swim the English Channel for at least a couple hours after you donate. However, your body is perfectly capable of replenishing the given plasma, and it does so in about 24 hours.
The plasma they take is used in various medical experiments that help treat hereditary diseases and save lives, so not only do you get up to $240 a month for giving plasma, you may also get a warm, fuzzy feeling for doing something good.
Who can give plasma?
Just about anybody in reasonably good health who is drug free. If you're interested, call Biolife Plasma Resources at (320) 259-6300.
Biolife is open Monday-Thursday from 5:45 a.m. to 7 p.m., and until 6 p.m. Fridays. Saturdays they are open from 6 a.m. to noon, and Sundays, they are closed.
Many, including students new to the college experience, are looking for a way to replenish their dwindling bank account with some green.
Well, for those with an extra few hours a week, Biolife Plasma Resources might have an answer.
Biolife Plasma is a national medical firm that gives money in exchange for blood. Plasma is a yellowish fluid which red blood cells circulate throughout the body.
All Biolife Plasma asks is that you come in and sit on one of their recliners as rarely or as often as you want (though not more than twice in a seven-day period) for a little more than an hour while they take the plasma.
Plasma is worth up to $60 a week to Biolife Plasma Resources - $20 the first time you give in a seven-day period and $40 if you give a second time during that same period.
Geoff Angell, a sophomore and advertising major at SCSU, was willing to help dispel a couple of the worries students have about the process of donating plasma.
First, does it hurt?
"Not really," Angell said. "It's uncomfortable at first, but you get used to it. It's totally worth it for the money."
That being said, there is a needle involved that does have to go into your arm for the process to work, though over time, scar tissue makes the in and out process more comfortable.
Does giving plasma drain you or make you feel weak?
"I don't really feel any differently afterwards," Angell said. "I just go in and relax on the recliner. Sometimes I bring a magazine or some homework to read, but mostly I just relax."
Biolife, of course, will advise you not to run any marathons or try and swim the English Channel for at least a couple hours after you donate. However, your body is perfectly capable of replenishing the given plasma, and it does so in about 24 hours.
The plasma they take is used in various medical experiments that help treat hereditary diseases and save lives, so not only do you get up to $240 a month for giving plasma, you may also get a warm, fuzzy feeling for doing something good.
Who can give plasma?
Just about anybody in reasonably good health who is drug free. If you're interested, call Biolife Plasma Resources at (320) 259-6300.
Biolife is open Monday-Thursday from 5:45 a.m. to 7 p.m., and until 6 p.m. Fridays. Saturdays they are open from 6 a.m. to noon, and Sundays, they are closed.