As COVID cases continue to rise in the community, so does the need for COVID Convalescent Plasma (CCP). Versiti Blood Center is pleading with those who have previously been infected with COVID-19 to help others currently fighting the disease by donating CCP.
Dr. Dan Waxman, Vice President of Transfusion Medicine at Versiti Blood Center, explains the difference between donating blood and plasma, as well as why it's so important for people to donate their CCP.
COVID patients and their families are relying on COVID convalescent plasma as a life-saving therapy. These antibodies can’t be manufactured in a lab; they can only be provided organically through other humans who've had the disease.
When CCP is collected, it is given to local hospitals to treat COVID patients. However CCP is going out as fast as it's coming in, so the demand is high and very limited.
Donors are generally eligible to donate up to 12 times. Anyone who's previously had COVID and has completely recovered is qualified to donate COVID convalescent plasma.
Unlike blood donations, COVID Convalescent Plasma donations must be scheduled in advance. Call (616) 774-2300 to schedule an appointment or ask any questions about the donation process.
To schedule an appointment or learn more, visit Versiti.org/covid19plasma.
