FAYETTEVILLE – June 16, 2020 – Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center is in urgent need of volunteers to donate convalescent plasma to help treat area COVID-19 patients.
Convalescent plasma is the liquid component of blood collected from patients who have recovered from the novel coronavirus. These patients develop blood antibodies against the virus, which might help others fight the coronavirus infection.
There is no current vaccine for COVID-19. The FDA is allowing the use of convalescent plasma as a treatment for patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 infection.
When transfused, the plasma gives patients an immediate boost of virus-fighting antibodies to kickstart their own immune system and can help speed recovery time. Cape Fear Valley patients have shown improvement and positive outcomes using the therapy.
Criteria for donating includes:
• Feeling healthy on day of donation
• Meeting regular donor requirements
• Testing positive for COVID-19 and since recovered
• Must be symptom-free for at least 28 days
• Provide documentation of a positive COVID-19 test with dated copy of lab results
• Or have a note from healthcare provider stating positive test results and date of test
The Blood Donor Center is urging people to donate to help patients at Cape Fear Valley Health hospitals in Cumberland, Bladen, Hoke and Harnett counties. Donors will receive an Essential Donor T-shirt.
To make a donation appointment, call (910) 615-LIFE or email afisher@capefearvalley.com.