The American Red Cross organization is asking recently recovered COVID-19 patients to donate their plasma due to internal supply shortages from a drastic increase in demand and COVID-19 case numbers nationwide.
“It is critical that COVID-19 survivors give their antibody-rich plasma now to ensure this blood product is available to help those actively battling this coronavirus,” said Dr. Pampee Young, chief medical officer of American Red Cross Biomedical Services. “Convalescent plasma has been used for decades as a potentially lifesaving treatment until virus- or disease-specific treatments and vaccines are developed. It remains crucially important today in the fight against this COVID-19 pandemic.”
Locally, recovered coronavirus patients can donate plasma at Carter BloodCare, located at 2673 N Main St. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, and is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every Thursday.
The Red Cross partnered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to encourage those who recovered from coronavirus to donate plasma, and the groups said sign-ups are available on the Red Cross website at redcrossblood.org, or go to the direct donation link by clicking here. Although plasma treatment is not yet a proven method to directly combat COVID-19, it does possess positive benefits and is continually being evaluated for further use.
Those looking to donate must meet various health-related requirements, which can be found online.
