The American Red Cross is looking to people who have recovered from COIVD-19 to help those who may still be fighting the virus. According to the American Red Cross website, the plasma in the blood of someone who has fully recovered from COVID-19 may contain COVID-19 antibodies that can attack the virus.
This convalescent plasma is being evaluated as a possible treatment for currently ill COVID-19 patients, so your donation could help save the lives of patients battling this disease.
You may qualify to donate plasma for coronavirus patients if you meet specific convalescent plasma and regular blood donation eligibility requirements.
Possible donors must have a prior, verified diagnosis of COVID-19 but are now symptom-free, be in good health or generally feel well even if you are being treated for a chronic condition, and are at least 17 years old and weight 110 pounds. Additional weight requirements apply for donors age 18 or younger.
If you would like to sign-up to donate convalescent plasma, you can fill out the form available on the American Red Cross website.
Need For Blood Continues
Blood donations are always needed and can help in a wide variety of situations including cancer patients, trauma patients, sickle cell patients, burn patients, and patients with chronic diseases.
Make an appointment to donate by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Blood drives are also essential in helping ensure blood is available for patients this winter. To learn more and sign up to host a blood drive, visit RedCrossBlood.org/HostADrive.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities
Sargent
11/24/2020: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Sargent Community Center, 314 W Main St.
Sumner
11/25/2020: Noon – 6 p.m., Sumner Community Center, 110 E 5th Ave.
Broken Bow
11/25/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Broken Bow Municipal Utilities, 314 S 10th Ave
Litchfield
12/1/2020: Noon – 6 p.m., Winters Building
