In Need of a Buck, Many Donate Plasma

With unemployment and costs of living up, blood plasma donations are an increasingly popular option for those in need of a little extra cash, the Chicago Tribune reports. Donors compensated with $20 to $45 are an invaluable part of a $10 billion dollar industry that supplies drugs to fight hemophilia and immune system disorders, and to aid burn recovery.

 "Instead of sitting at home watching TV, I can make some extra gas money," said an Illinois forklift driver. Said an unemployed Chicago woman:"It's the only option I have." Others see the altruistic side of donating: “I'm doing something that can help save a life," one truck driver said. "But at the same time, I'm doing it to save my own life. You get two for one."
(More plasma stories.)