When Darcy Shannon, CEO of Drumlin Plasma, onboards new staff or meets new donors, he starts with a simple, but resonant, message.
“We are helping thousands and thousands of people every day,” says Shannon. “You need to know that when you go home every day, that what you’re doing is great.”
That impact, and the success, of Drumlin Plasma are growing hand-in-hand. This new Halifax-based company collects plasma from donors, which is used by diagnostic test kit manufacturers. Their kits help doctors identify and monitor diseases worldwide, particularly bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, and require a steady supply of plasma.
One donation of plasma collected by Drumlin can help over 500 people be diagnosed.
Spotting a Void in Plasma Supply
Shannon was working in supply chain operations for a medical device company when he noticed a trend.
Increasing amounts of plasma were being used for direct medical treatments, which meant less available for critical test kits that diagnose medical conditions.
As a supply chain professional, he saw the opportunity, and felt a duty, to ensure a steady supply of plasma so these conditions would continue to be promptly diagnosed.
“I finally realized – I know this and I know how to solve it. So it’s my job to try to contribute here,” says Shannon.
Creating a Comfortable Experience for Donors
Once Shannon committed to tackling this issue, he needed to surround himself with the talent who could help him successfully build this company. With his existing operations experience, he prioritized building a team with scientific expertise that could determine how to safely collect plasma in Nova Scotia and distribute it efficiently to their clients.
They opened in July 2024 and have already collected enough plasma to diagnose more than two million people.
At their location on Hollis St. in downtown Halifax, they’ve focused on creating a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere for donors. Their space is open and bright, including an area to relax and enjoy a snack after donating.
“Every single donor is important to us. We talk you through the entire process and we try to make the experience as enjoyable as possible,” says Shannon.
Safety Protocols That Put Donors First
Drumlin Plasma follows rigorous safety protocols for plasma collection. First-time donors undergo comprehensive screening, including vital signs assessment and a physical examination with a Registered Nurse. The donation process itself takes 45-60 minutes, with donors able to contribute twice weekly while maintaining at least two days between sessions for optimal recovery.
Donors receive financial compensation—$100 for each of their first three donations—paid via e-transfer within 48 hours. The plasma is frozen and then sent from their Halifax location to global customers.
Scaling Up: Rapid Growth in Nova Scotia
Their team has already grown from five to 20 employees, which includes a mix of operational staff, medical screeners and healthcare professionals. Shannon has hired new graduates from local universities and colleges at the start of their careers. They get immediate, hands-on experience in a medical setting, and work directly with donors to make the process both professional and friendly.
They’ve doubled their amount of donation capacity and aim to build a second facility in Halifax in 2026. Shannon says that Nova Scotia—and Halifax in particular—was the ideal place for Drumlin to launch, thanks to strong local support from the life-science community, its collaboration-minded healthcare professionals, and exceptional access to top-tier talent.
What’s Next for Drumlin Plasma
Their plasma is in high demand and Shannon is getting enquiries from global customers about potentially supplying other blood products in the diagnostics sector. He expects to expand those partnerships and provide even more for their test kits.
Even while planning the next phase for Drumlin Plasma, Shannon emphasizes the key to their future success is maintaining a committed, motivated group of donors.
“I’m crazy passionate about the impact that we’re making,” says Shannon. “My favorite part of my role is expressing that to donors and staff. It’s all of these people that are enabling Drumlin to do what it does.”
