Why It Matters: 

The primary goal of this initiative is to create a net economic benefit for everyday Iowans. By providing fair compensation for plasma donations, the program injects money directly into local communities. Even if a center operates at a small financial loss, the increased consumer spending — from groceries to gas stations — and donor support will strengthen local economies. The public health benefits and economic stimulation together justify the investment.

2027 Pilot Launch Plan (Updated):

Launch 4 state-owned plasma centers in 2027

Each center will operate Tuesday through Sunday, open 10 hours per day

Facilities will have 20 donation beds, targeting 140 donations per day

Weekly donation capacity: 840 donations per center

Weekly donor compensation: $50 for first donation, $75 for second

Total weekly payout per center: $52,500

Annual payout per center (52 weeks): $2.73 million

Plasma sales revenue per center (at 840 donations/week): $4.2–7 million annually

Net potential margin per center (before other costs): $1.47–4.27 million/year

Labor & Operating Costs: Each center will require approximately 15–20 full-time staff, with total annual operating costs estimated at $1.5–2.2 million

Annual statewide donor income (4 centers): $10.92 million

Profit Sharing: Any remaining profit at year’s end will be distributed among donors proportionally to their donation frequency

The Problem: Many rural and underserved areas in Iowa lack access to plasma donation centers — a missed opportunity both for individuals who could earn supplemental income and for biotech companies seeking plasma for life-saving therapies. Currently, large portions of Iowa residents live more than 45 minutes away from the nearest donation site.

This geographic gap not only limits potential donors but also prevents small towns from benefiting from the economic ripple effect these centers create. Donors often spend money at nearby restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations following their visits.

Iowa Context:

Iowa’s total area: ~56,000 square miles

Target coverage: Ensure that every resident is within a 45-minute drive of a donation center

Average 45-minute radius coverage: ~3,800–6,300 square miles per center depending on geography and road infrastructure

Existing facilities: At least 8 known centers

New facilities needed: To provide equitable access, an estimated 20–25 total facilities are required across the state

My Solution:

✅ Plasma center within 45 minutes of every Iowan

Goal: Ensure equitable access to donation opportunities statewide

✅ Create a State-Owned Plasma Donation Network

Iowa will develop and operate a statewide network of plasma donation centers

State retains revenue from plasma sales to pharmaceutical companies, reinvesting profits into healthcare, education, and community development

✅ Increase Donor Compensation

Donors will receive $50+ for their first donation and $75+ for their second donation each week

This provides up to $125+/week in income — a meaningful boost for working Iowans, students, or anyone seeking supplemental earnings

At the end of each year, any remaining profits will be shared among donors based on the number of donations they made — a community-centered approach that rewards contribution

This ensures fair compensation for time and helps residents generate real supplemental income

✅ State-funded infrastructure and start-up support

Estimated cost per facility: $3–6 million, depending on size and location

Use revenue bonds or a dedicated economic development fund to cover construction, staffing, and equipment

Create a central Iowa Plasma Authority (IPA) to manage operations, quality, compliance, and partnerships

✅ Local Workforce Integration

Partner with Iowa’s community colleges and healthcare training programs to create career pipelines for lab techs, nurses, and support staff

Offer job priority to returning citizens, veterans, and individuals in workforce development programs

Labor & Operating Costs:

Each center will require approximately 15–20 full-time staff, including phlebotomists, nurses, lab techs, and administrative support

Estimated labor costs per center: $1.3–$1.7 million annually

Additional operating costs (utilities, equipment maintenance, insurance, supplies): $700,000–$1.3 million annually

Total annual operating budget per center: $2–3 million

Projected Cost:

Start-up cost for 20–25 facilities: $80–150 million

Annual operating budget per center: $2–3 million (salaries, supplies, maintenance)

Estimated Revenue & Economic Impact:

A single plasma center can process 300–900 donors/week, each earning $125+ per week across two donations

Potential donor income per site: $2.184 million–$4.368 million/year

Plasma sales can generate $4–8 million/year per center, with all revenue staying in Iowa

Donor spending stimulates local restaurants, shops, and services after each visit

How I Will Enact It:

Introduce legislation creating the Iowa Plasma Authority (IPA) and authorizing state-owned centers

Use Iowa’s bonding authority and economic development grants to fund initial construction

Launch pilot centers in underserved areas to demonstrate sustainability and community impact

Use profits to scale statewide and support long-term revenue for public services

Impact on District 88: 

This plan brings income opportunities, job creation, and medical infrastructure to towns like Keota, Washington, and Sigourney. It strengthens rural Iowa, builds public wealth, and gives residents a chance to support their families without needing to leave their community. With the state owning the centers, the people of Iowa benefit directly from the value they help create.